Archives 2024

Sunny Winters & Endless Shores: This Vibrant Coastal City Should Be Your Next Beach Getaway

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Now that the hassle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday have died down, winter plans are in full force.

As your electric bill continues to spike as you put your heater to good use, a better way to splurge is to book a sunny getaway.

How about an often-overlooked Texas coastal city with easy flight options, 70-degree beach days, and 100 miles of shorelines?

Views of Padre Island in Corpus Christi, TX

While many travelers flock to Florida as their beach destination of choice, you can experience fewer crowds and cheaper stays in one of the South’s most underrated escapes.

Corpus Christi is a vibrant city with a fascinating history ranging from pop icon tragedies to military might.

Better yet, the coast is a never-ending playground for all things beach-related: lounging, fishing, camping, you name it, or simply bringing the whole crew along for a warm winter vacation.

Corpus Christi‘s Surprising Urban Treasures

Corpus Christi skyline at nighttime

If you’ve never visited Corpus Christi, you may be surprised to find a towering skyline and revamped downtown district.

Those who’ve never paid a visit have probably heard of Corpus, but it’s often discussed as a small town.

That’s not the case. Over 300,000 people call this underrated beach haven home with 3 major airlines serving Corpus Christi International Airport.

Multiple downtown hotels have been given new life as well as a laundry list of new businesses slated to open.

No longer is downtown Corpus an urban ghost town; there’s plenty to see and do. Of course, you can’t explore downtown without taking a nice stroll along the 1.5 mile long ‘Seawall‘ lining Shoreline Blvd.

Benches on Corpus Christi Seawall backdropped by USS Lexington

While downtown doesn’t boast the region’s nicest beach, it’s a great starting point at the very least. Overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, you can’t help but notice numerous Navy ships, which may pique your interest in touring the U.S.S. Lexington Museum ($20.95 admission).

This captivating ship is just scratching the surface of Corpus’ attractions as you can also visit:

  • The Art Museum of South Texas
  • Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
  • South Texas Botanical Gardens
  • Tejano Civil Rights Museum

Most notably, however, would be the Selena Museum, a tribute to the life of Corpus Christi’s very own Selena, a world-famous pop star tragically killed in her hometown in 1995.

Budget Travel Tip: Check out Corpus Christi’s recently updated list of ‘15 Free Things To Do.

100 Miles Of Shores

Surfer at JP Luby Beach in Corpus Christi

If you’re trying to narrow down your vacation options, let this be a selling point – 100 miles of shores.

Some more remote and spacious than others, there’s no question you’ll find a beach that matches your vibe.

If you drive to Corpus or rent a car, there are multiple beaches allowing vehicles with a permit. One of many reasons why both Mustang Island State Park ($7 admission) and Padre Island National Seashore ($10 admission) are the most popular beach getaways around here.

One that’s a sleeper, however, is JP Luby Beach – home to soft white sand, great surfing conditions, and evening campfires.

Jeep on Corpus Christi beach

Although, a secret beach town beloved by Texans statewide is nearby Rockport. Offering a mix of small-town charm, historical sites, and idyllic coastlines, booking a Gulfside vacation rental here is never a bad idea.

Great Food And Affordable Stays

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and you’ll quickly see why when you dine out. It

It’s no different in Corpus, except the Texas-sized portions you’ll find are more of the seafood variety than quintessential barbecue and Mexican food.

Not to mention Texas’ favorite burger chain, Whataburger, which started right here in Corpus. There’s even a replica of the original storefront you can snap a selfie with.

Two-story Whataburger in Corpus Christi

As great (and humungous) as their burgers may be, my favorite eatery to pig out is Fajitaville.

Just as it sounds, order fajitas beachside at what’s essentially the ‘Fajita’ version of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (but there are no ties).

And after you delight your tastebuds in Corpus’ delicious food scene, you’ll need a place to relax and recharge.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 hotels in Corpus Christi this winter: (ranked by value):

  1. Omni Corpus Christi Hotel (my favorite!)
  2. Hyatt Place Corpus Christi
  3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi
  4. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Corpus Christi
  5. Hotel De Ville
Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi

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Why This Stunning Ancient City In Asia Should Be On Your Bucket List For 2025

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When you think of Asia, it’s probably the terraced paddies of Vietnam, the riotous party scene of Thailand, or maybe the island-dotted seas of Indonesia that come to mind––who doesn’t dream of escaping to Bali for a long, romantic weekend, right?

Those all sound great, but have you ever wondered about a lesser-known Cambodia, just next door to all these tried-and-true tourism hotspots, yet still shrouded in mystery?

Having hosted nearly 5 million visitors this year, a personal record, Cambodia is quickly catching up with its peers in popularity, and we’ll go out on a limb in asserting it’s to do with the fact it’s the home of one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the continent:

Angkor Wat Temple In Cambodia

Discover The Cultural Capital Of Cambodia

Phnom Penh may be the administrative center, but if Cambodia ever had a cultural capital, that is Siem Reap, its second-largest conurbation, home to around 245,000 people, and a historically-charged city originally settled in the year 802 AD.

That’s exactly 1,222 years of accumulated heritage for you, and if you love marveling at ancient monuments, rest assured there’s a plethora of those scattered all around Siem Reap––not to mention vibrant street markets, a stunning riverside walk, and lush nature.

Aerial View Of Siem Reap, Cambodia

This is a city that has seen the rise and fall of many a civilization, from the Siamese to Khmer Kingdoms, and even the French Empire, which controlled much of Cambodia for the first half of the 20th century: from medieval temples to French-colonial palaces, you’ll find it all in here.

Though the entire town is an open-air museum, Siem Reap’s pride and joy is Angkor Wat, the former seat of the discontinued Khmer Kingdom from the 9th to 15th centuries, and a national monument so emblematic it features on the Cambodian flag.

Look it up.

Ancient Khmer Temple In Siem Reap, Cambodia, Southeast Asia

If It’s Good Enough For UNESCO, It’s Good For Us

Vast, mysterious, and full of intrigue, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO-protected temple complex of many intricate stone-carve buildings, including the Main Temple of Angkor Wat, the silhouette of which you see displayed on the Cambodian flag.

It is the main reason travelers are flocking from all over the world to visit Cambodia, having recorded a 28% increase in tourist numbers this year, easily making it the most-popular attraction in the Southeast Asian country, ahead of beaches, resort zones and city breaks.

Ancient Temple In Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is not Siem Reap’s only ancient marvel, though: tourists also have their eyes set on nearby Bayon, distinguished by its 216 smiling stone faces, the partially-overgrown Ta Prohm, with towers slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, and a pink sandstone Banteay Srei Temple.

With so much amazing History, it’s no wonder the small-group sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, with pickup available from many locations around Siem Reap, is the best-selling activity in the area, costing only $16 to book per person.

Native Dance Performances, Food Markets & Breathtaking Nature

@pisalguidefrancoangkor #angkor_wat_of_cambodia_🇰🇭♥ #guidefrancophone khmer classic danse APSARA #apsara ♬ សំឡេងដើម – KhmerCulture🇰🇭វប្បធម៌ខ្មែរ💗

Other unique activities in Siem Reap include attending an Apsara Dance Show, a display of classical Khmer dance, with performers engaging in entrancing movements while wearing colorful, elaborate traditional costumes.

For around $28.85, you can go market shopping with the aid of a knowledgeable local and then attend a cooking class, where you’ll be initiated on the centuries-old art of Khmer cooking, an immaterial cultural highlight of Cambodia.

Go easy on the fish amok and the spring rolls! You’ll want to save room for the bananas in palm sugar with coconut juice that’s coming for dessert…

Last but not least, no trip to Asia is complete without a little dose of adventure, and for the thrill seekers amongst us, hiking up Kulen Mountain, where there are majestic waterfalls and more ancient ruins, and where the Siem Reap River originates from, is a must-do.

How Expensive Is Siem Reap?

Streets Of Siem Reap, Cambodia

My friend, we totally get it why this question might have been at the back of your mind reading through this article.

The inflation and skyrocketing consumer prices have been hard on all of us and flying halfway across the world to some country in Asia, as beautiful as it may be, can sound a bit too delusional with the current state of affairs.

If you’re wondering how expensive Siem Reap––and Cambodia as a whole––is to visit, we’re glad to report that it’s not expensive at all.

Granted, it’s a bit tricky to get to, as there are no nonstop flights between America and Cambodia, and you’re likely to have a stopover in another Asian or even a European or Middle Eastern country, depending on which coast you’re flying from, getting there.

The golden sun rises above a temple in cambodia

Once you’re in Cambodia, the $3 meals, luxury double rooms in spa hotels for a negligible $45, and one-hour curbside massages for around ten bucks will make it all worthwhile, trust us.

On average, tourists spend between $11 and $27 per day on food, $3.34 to $8.75 on local transportation, and an average $32 to $102-a-night on hotels, with the total cost of a one-week stay in Siem Reap as a mid-range traveler being an economical $647, excluding flights.

Culture has never looked this good or affordable!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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CDC Travel Advisory: These 3 Caribbean Nations Have Been Moved To High-Risk

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On Tuesday, the CDC added three popular Caribbean nations to its high-risk category for travelers. Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and Anguilla moved the CDC’s COVID-19 high-risk list. 

The level 3 high-risk category is now the highest risk category after the CDC changed its rating systems for assessing COVID-19 dangers for U.S. tourists. 

  • Level 3 ‘high-risk’ is the top category
  • Level 2 ‘moderate risk’ is the middle category 
  • Level 1 ‘low risk’ is the lowest category 

Previously, the CDC had a level 4 very high-risk category; however, they removed this category for special circumstances—including an emergence of a new variant and super high case numbers. Currently, there are no nations in the level 4 very high-risk category. 

The New High-Risk Nations

1. Jamaica 

Jamaica is one of the most popular travel destinations for American tourists. Better still, the island nation removed all COVID-19 entry requirements last month. As a result, U.S. travelers can enter without proof of vaccination, testing requirements, quarantine, or health forms. 

However, the CDC now deems Jamaica as a level 3 high-risk nation for COVID-19. The nation is witnessing a small spike in cases, with a seven-day average of 276.

Jamaica has removed most internal COVID-19 restrictions:

  • The government recommends wearing masks, but it’s not mandatory. 
  • There is still a 70% limit on venue capacity. 
  • Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate until fully recovered. 

2. Turks & Caicos 

The CDC has moved Turks & Caicos—a popular destination for American tourists—to its level 3 high-risk category.

Turks & Caicos hasn’t removed its COVID-19 entry requirements yet. Travelers must be fully vaccinated to enter the islands. In addition, 14 days must have passed since the traveler’s final vaccination dose. Unvaccinated travelers can only enter if they have special permission from the local government.

On top of the entry requirements, travelers still face internal COVID-19 restrictions. These include mandatory face masks in all public spaces, including supermarkets, restaurants, shops, hotels, and holiday accommodation. The local authorities may give you a $50 fine for breaching the mask laws. 

3. Anguilla 

Beautiful Shoal Bay beach framed with palms and seaside cafe on Caribbean island of Anguilla,

Although not as popular as Jamaica, Anguilla still attracts American visitors. However, the CDC has moved Anguilla to its COVID-19 level 3 high-risk category.

The island nation hasn’t removed all of its COVID-19 entry requirements yet. If travelers are over 18, they must present proof of vaccination. Anguilla still bans unvaccinated tourists from entering the nation.

In addition, travelers must wear face coverings in public places and mandatory social distancing laws are still in place. 

Other Nations In The CDC’s High-Risk Category

The CDC has placed most of Europe in its level 3 high-risk category, including popular European destinations for U.S. tourists:

  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • The Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • The United Kingdom

Other notable nations in the level 3 high-risk list include:

  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Costa Rica
  • Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand

Nations In The Level 2 Moderate-Risk Category 

Nations in the level 2 moderate-risk category have witnessed 50 to 100 COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days.

On Tuesday, the CDC moved eight countries to the moderate-risk level:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Cuba
  • The Dominican Republic
  • Guyana
  • Moldova
  • Poland
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Tunisia

Nations In The Level 1 Low-Risk Category

Nations in the level 1 low-risk category have witnessed fewer than 49 cases per 100,000 residents in the last 28 days. On Tuesday, the CDC moved Kuwait and Mauritania to this list.

There are over 50 nations on the level 1 low-risk list as of Tuesday. 

Final Thoughts 

Although the CDC has moved various nations to the high-risk category, American travelers can still visit these nations with no additional restrictions upon return to the U.S.


Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Top 10 Places To Visit On Your Trip To Ireland

JetBlue, Alaska Airlines To Cut Several Flights This Summer Due To Staff Shortages

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

American Airlines Announces New Flights But Cuts Several Long Haul Routes

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San Diego’s Urban Oasis: A Resort-Style Retreat With Its Own Brewery

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San Diego continues on a record-breaking tear as one of the best vacation destinations in America.

Why wouldn’t it be?

Those with the West Coast on the brain resort to ‘America’s Finest City’ for their vacation needs over the controversies of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Boasting gorgeous beach towns from Coronado to Oceanside, San Diego County is teeming with paradisal escapes, but even the city itself can be overlooked in favor of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a tourist hotspot, Mission Beach, and wild nights out in the Gaslamp District.

Truth is, you don’t have to spend boring nights in tourists’ number one mistake, Hotel Circle, or overpay for beachside stays to have an unforgettable time in SoCal’s shining star.

Jet skiers enjoying nice day outside Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Courtesy of Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

If there’s one knock on San Diego, it’s the fact this city doesn’t seem to know what a proper island is, often naming scenic peninsulas as ‘islands’, such as aforementioned Coronado, as well as local favorites, Shelter Island and Harbor Island.

The latter is mere steps from under-construction San Diego International Airport and home to a resort-style retreat with more posh amenities than a typical ‘airport hotel’.

Offering unmatched views of San Diego’s vibrant skyline and the calm, gleaming waters of the San Diego Bay, there’s no doubt the newly renovated Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is the perfect anchor for your next vacation.

Plus, you can watch planes land from your balcony without losing any sleep!

There Couldn’t Be A Better Base To Explore San Diego

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina has 2 towers on their surprisingly expansive grounds. I say this because you could easily swap “hotel” for “resort” in their name, especially with the current $60 food & beverage credit at Rumorosa, their Baja-inspired restaurant.

If you’re an avid San Diego vacationer and haven’t stayed here, you’ve been missing out. Located directly across from San Diego International Airport, these resort-style digs beat out all the hotels in the vicinity, including where my girlfriend works (shh! don’t tell her!).

From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. There was even a surprise of sinfully delicious macarons delivered to my spacious suite as a kind welcome gift.

If you’re new to Travel Off Path, you know we’re all about ‘no fluff’. So, when I say this was the most comfortable room I’ve stayed in recent memory, I mean it!

To put that in perspective, I just got back from a 6-country Euro-trip and stayed at multiple 4-star hotels and 5-star resorts.

Here, I was assigned a renovated King Suite on the 10th floor with sweeping skyline views and peripheral glimpses of the calm San Diego Bay – not to mention the surprisingly quiet airport, given the location.

Oh, wait. That was just the living room balcony. The bedroom balcony had even better views of the bay and a soothing, salty breeze as well.

Bedroom at Sheraton
Image courtesy of Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Overlooking the cityscape, you’ll gain an appreciation for your prime location. Whether it’s simply a stopover, a weekend getaway, or a full-fledged vacation, you’re in the right place.

A 5-minute drive puts you in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Little Italy. While it’s certainly not Rome, your tastebuds won’t know that while chowing down at Mona Lisa.

Little Italy is a sub-section of downtown, also home to the always buzzing Gaslamp Quarter with over 200 bars and restaurants.

Equally easy to reach, but in the opposite direction is Point Loma, one of my favorite districts, where you can discover all the delights of Liberty Station, former Naval housing converted into trendy restaurants, breweries, and even a 9-hole golf course fun for the whole fam.

But just outside the Sheraton is Harbor Island (ahem, peninsula), offering quite possibly the best city views of San Diego along with 2 renowned restaurants at each end, Tom Yam’s Lighthouse and Coasterra.

Skyline views from Sheraton San Diegot Hotel & Marina balcony

Oh, and last but not least, Balboa Park, home to a plethora of awesome museums, hiking trails, and the ever-so-famous San Diego Zoo, plus the closest beach, Ocean Beach, are both only an 11-minute drive.

A Taste Of Baja & Waterfront Brews

Any time you visit a Mexican restaurant, there are 2 things to test its authenticity. Order Tajin-rimmed Margaritas followed by guac, amirite?

If that’s a no-go, you’re in the wrong place. Thankfully, Sheraton’s Rumorosa passed the test before we ordered entrees, and our experience was leveled up from there.

Next up, we had to put ‘Baja’ to the test, so you know we ordered the Local Baja Ceviche (also on the Happy Hour menu,) and it was just as good as anywhere south of the border – and I visit Tijuana a lot!

We went slightly off-kilter for entrees by ordering Braised Beef Short Rib. It was still cooked to perfection, just not quite exuding ‘Baja’ vibes.

Margarita served at Rumorosa's 'Happy Hour'

That being said, the best place to kick back and relax was newly opened Brewery X, offering a wide selection of craft beers and a great waterfront patio overlooking the adjacent marina, where you can enjoy nice strolls, book a jet ski, or indulge in ‘Sunset S’mores‘.

Just know the hard seltzers have a high alcohol content and sneak up on you! A couple of Shhh Wheat drafts and Huckleberry seltzers, tasty Dirty Fries were a great way to watch football with our friendly beertender.

If beers were slightly cheaper than the standard $10 pours, as a San Diegan, Brewery X would be my new go-to spot to watch my beloved Dallas Cowboys lose again…and again…and again.

It’s truly a great atmosphere whether you’re a hotel guest or not.

Huckleberry seltzer and ShhhWheat beer at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina's Brewery X

Note: There’s also Sunglow Cabana Bar accompanying the pool, but we were told it was closed during our stay.

Airport Convenience

To be frank, San Diego’s airport is a bit of a fustercluck right now. If you time it right, you won’t be bothered by the constant construction projects, but that’s never a guarantee.

In fact, I wrote an article earlier this year highlighting the ongoing headaches. While it has seemed to improve, the final product isn’t close to the finish line.

The next phase is a partial opening of Terminal 1 in Summer 2025, but the entirety isn’t expected to be complete until an undisclosed 2028 date.

This just adds one more reason (as if you needed one) to stay at Sheraton, where you could literally walk to your flight if you wanted to, but taking their free shuttle from 4:45 AM – 12:00 AM is a wiser decision.

As a local who passes by the airport frequently, I know traffic hasn’t been as bad as it was in early 2024. However, as a precaution, just know when it’s bad it’s realllyyyyy baaadddd.

Exterior of Sheraton Hotel & Marina and California flag

**Travel Off Path was a guest of Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**

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Surprising Caribbean Destination Hyped As Next Digital Nomad Hotspot For 2025

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The work-from-home craze has taken over the workforce worldwide as more and more countries create digital nomad visas to accommodate one of the latest travel trends.

But, some places are quite surprising when it comes to such a vast array of destinations digital nomads have at their fingertips.

Whether it be Latin America’s hidden gems, far-flung hideaways in Europe, or dirt-cheap yet culturally rich hotspots in Asia, there’s no limit to digital nomads’ new base.

Woman with laptop working beachside under palm tree

That being said, as popular as the Caribbean may be for American travelers, many places in the region don’t fit the mold of what digital nomads tend to look for.

Startups just revealed the next digital hotspot for 2025 and although it’s mega popular for Americans, it’s worth questioning if the island’s well-documented safety issues and affordability tick off the boxes for digital nomads.

Is Jamaica Too Boujee For Digital Nomads?

According to Startups, there’s a 250% increase in remote work in Jamaica. As someone who visited Jamaica in the last year or so, I can see how such an immensely welcoming culture and obviously drop-dead gorgeous island would be enticing to wake up to every day.

Resort pool in Negril

The truth is not every digital nomad is bankrolling.

When I visited Kingston, I hung out on the upscale side of the city known as New Kingston, where Bob Marley’s mansion is located.

There are new developments dispersed across this district with some really nice apartments available to rent, but the issue digital nomads face is pricing.

Many apartments, even in notoriously sketchy Kingston, resemble U.S. markets with rents in the $1000’s – a far cry from what many scope out when there are many destinations you’re total cost will be under $1000.

Then there’s obviously Montego Bay, laden with high-end resorts, followed by quaint, yet trendy Negril, and the up-and-coming hotspot of Port Antonio, the most authentic of the bunch.

Jamaica's Sandals South Coast Hotel

According to Nomads, Kingston ranks #110 globally for digital nomads, with expected monthly costs pushing $3,000.

Jamaica’s Safety Concerns

Jamaica is no stranger to welcoming visitors with open arms. I found this island to be one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been.

Unfortunately, Jamaica is also no stranger to travel advisories, especially related to the capital, Kingston.

Wandering Downtown Kingston and passing run-down streets on my Uber from the airport, it’s easy to see why.

Abandoned buildings in downtown Kingston, Jamaica

The latest advisory issued in July highlights high crime levels and lackluster health care, including slow response times to emergencies throughout the country.

Kingston also received low marks for safety on Nomads but surprisingly high scores for overall contentment with glowing positive experiences.

If I ventured to guess, most nomads would reside in New Kingston, where there are ample co-working spaces like The Hub and trendy cafes offering delicious Blue Mountain coffee sourced roughly an hour away.

However, Startup highlights Negril as Jamaica’s top beach spot for digital nomads with plentiful oceanfront cafes.

police kingston jamaica

Kingston isn’t so much a beach town, although I did find a secret beach tourists largely don’t know about, but it wouldn’t be the best spot to work from since the seaside eateries are hole-in-the-wall shacks along unkept dirt roads.

As for Montego Bay, Jamaica’s most popular vacation destination, you can find affordable apartments on Airbnb on the outskirts of the city for under $800, but a quick Google search shows co-working spaces are lacking here.

Jamaica’s Entry Requirements

Jamaica sign at Montego Bay

Jamaica doesn’t offer a ‘digital nomad visa’, but Americans can visit as a standard tourist for 90 days visa-free, the perfect amount of time to soak up winter sun.

As stated, there are monthly listings on Airbnb, so this is likely your best bet. Just familiarize yourself with Jamaica’s neighborhoods first.

There is a full list of Level 4 no-go zones listed on the U.S. State Department’s latest travel advisory, many of which are in and around Kingston.

When I booked an Airbnb here, I found the wifi to be reliable, but preferred working from New Kingston cafes, such as Cafe Blue.

Lounge chairs on Montego Bay beach

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