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As the general hordes of holiday shoppers are in full force, we can surely all relate to avoiding crowds.

Whether it’s opting for Uber Eats, Amazon Prime, or traveling to places you didn’t know existed, the common denominator is all the same.

When it comes to Thailand, two places you want to avoid for these types of frustrations are definitely Phuket and Bangkok, albeit the latter is an urban sprawl, making it easier to find your inner Zen as needed.

Phuket, on the other hand, has been dealing with overtourism concerns, so that may be the last Thai beach paradise you’ll want to find yourself in to unwind.

The good news for you is there are many tranquil spots along Thailand’s mainland shores and numerous postcard-worthy islands.

Lonely Planet just highlighted a pair of such places – one on the mainland, along with a gorgeous island you may have never heard of.

Best of all, they’re both very affordable, virtually untouched, and studded with idyllic beachside bungalows up and down the pristine shores.

Ko Wai: Thailand’s Unspoiled Island Escape

The island life is appealing to all of us, and when it comes to Thailand, there seems to be a never-ending list of off-shore paradises from which to choose.

Lonely Planet showcased Ko Wai as one of the best alternatives to Thailand’s resort-lined beaches rather than embracing the unknown of unspoiled coastlines with traditional bungalows.

Before Thailand became a global icon where vacationers flock to the urban delights of Bangkok or the pristine beaches of numerous destinations, the latter looked a lot like Ko Wai.

Coming here now can be seen as a time capsule, especially as prices are still ridiculously low and landscapes virtually untouched.

Long-held local traditions are still in effect, so don’t expect to see billboard eyesores, mega cruise ships, or towering resorts.

Ko Wai perfectly sums up one of Thailand’s most popular types of travelers: those of us ballin’ on a budget!

Ranging anywhere from $15 to $45, check out Koh Wai Paradise, home to 30 thatched-roof bungalows or slightly cheaper Good Feeling Bungalows, where one recent visitor claimed it’s ‘Heaven on earth’.

Golden Beaches & Traditional Stays: Welcome To Bang Saphan Yai

Turns out Bangkok isn’t the only Thai getaway to go out with a ‘Bang’.

Bang Saphan Yai isn’t a place you’ll see highlighted in bold on the map like the country’s staples of Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.

Small yet mighty in terms of untamed beauty, this quaint beach town is located in the trendy Prachuap Khiri Khan province, yet this side remains hush-hush for locals to enjoy.

Lonely Planet mentioned ‘sublime sunsets’ overpowering golden beaches lined with bamboo huts, and while bearing witness to the fiery skies is certainly a must, there’s a lot more to make your trip worthwhile.

One such way for an epic adventure is to take a $4 train from Bangkok to Hua Hin and make your way down by bus or train on 12Go.

The coastal views are a sight to behold and a far cry from beach crowds elsewhere, as this tranquil side of the country is a whole different vibe.

Upon arrival, there are ample beaches to scout for endless bliss in the sunshine, especially if bungalows are more your jam than ritzy resorts.

This is not to say that these traditional-style stays are run-down by any means, but don’t expect swim-up bars and silver platter room service.

And if you must visit an island, tour operators can make arrangements to visit lesser-known Ko Thalu. But, with idyllic huts, sensory overload markets, and snorkeling and kayaking the turquoise waters as options, there’s no harm in staying on the mainland.

Check out Sangjun On Beach Resort, which has $25 beachside bungalows with top reviews claiming, ‘Big balcony with a fantastic view of the ocean’ and ‘If you want absolute peace and quiet, this is the place for you’.

New Thailand Rule For U.S. Travelers

On the one hand, Thailand has done Americans a favor by extending their visa-free allowance to 2 months rather than the prior 30 days.

But now, there’s a new annoyance – dreaded forms!

That’s right; all Americans crossing into Thailand beginning in December have to fill out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance, but the good news is there are no fees.

For deeper insight and peace of mind to ensure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s, check out our recent article covering the new entry rules and benefits.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 5 months ago

Though undoubtedly popular, Latin America can be tricky to navigate as a tourist:

Yes, locals are welcoming and incredibly hospitable (in their vast majority).

Culturally, it’s nothing short of fascinating, and the strength of the dollar will really get you far.

However, on the downside, you may be subject to safety concerns you wouldn’t typically experience back home.

It’s not the case for all of them, but in some Latin American countries, this may include violent crime, endemic corruption, even in law enforcement, and widespread gang activity, particularly in large urban centers.

There are of course exceptions: according to the U.S. State Department, there are at least 4 LatAm cities that are less risky, making them ideal for first-time visitors.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Starting with one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America, Buenos Aires is widely known for its vibrant art scene, stately Belle époque architecture, evocative of Europe’s greatest manmade wonders, lush city parks, and vibrant nightlife.

The best part is, whether it’s strolling the colorful La Boca, chilling by the Japanese Garden, or going out for dinner at Puerto Madero, a lively dockside lined by redbrick buildings and upscale steakhouses, your chances of getting harassed, pickpocketed or robbed are surprisingly low.

While we would still advise you to not leave your hotel with valuable items that can get easily snatched in crowded spaces, or avoid deserted, poorly-lit areas at night, Buenos Aires is not the kind of the city you walk around constantly on edge.

In fact, when it comes to exploring, this North or South Buenos Aires guided bike tour is a great way to tick off the city’s main highlights while hearing unique city tales from a local.

As Washington officials themselves have ruled, U.S. citizens should simply exercise normal precaution during their time in Buenos Aires: it is one of a handful of destinations in the Global South to rank at Level 1––the same as Iceland, Finland, Switzerland and the like.

Merida, Mexico

A short two to three-hour flight from many U.S. hubs, Merida is the largest city and cultural heart of the Mexican state of Yucatan: it’s one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the country, and it’s developed a reputation over the years for also being the safest:

From a certificate issued by the Karolinska Institute of Sweden, proving its status as a ‘safe community’, to the U.S. State Department’s Level 1 classification, a list that includes countries like Iceland, Finland and the like, Merida has had consistently-high safety levels.

Violent crime and robberies occur at far lower rates in comparison to other mid-size cities in Mexico, and despite usual safety advice applying––as the official U.S. advice reads, take normal precautions––Americans are under no significantly-high risk in Merida.

Lucky for them, as it is host to a number of Mexico’s most culturally-significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of Merida, one of the oldest on this side of the pond, the well-preserved historic center, with its ornate facades, and Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion.

For the budget travelers out there, you’ll be thrilled to learn Casa Montejo is free to visit, and it’s not something you want to miss: it’s been standing at its spot since the founding on Merida.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is both a bustling city and historically-charged seaport, with the kind of lively social scene you’d expect from a well-frequented Caribbean resort zone and the vibrant culture you’d often associate with Latin America’s oldest, most traditional capitals.

The Spaniards originally settled it in the 16th century, and to this day, much of Old San Juan retains that colonial charm.

Its cobbled streets are lined by boutique shops and street food stalls, and even a monumental El Morro fortress could easily belong in Europe.

Elsewhere in the Isla Verde strip, the otherwise quaint cityscape gives way to casual beach bars, nightclubs, and luxurious casino hotels, so there’s something in San Juan for every type of traveler, whether it’s sun and fun or a cultural immersion you seek.

In addition, San Juan is considered to be generally safe.

As a U.S.-administered territory, Puerto Rico enjoys higher standards of living compared to independent Latin countries and lower crime rates; in other words, violence is not the daily reality facing most Puerto Ricans.

While you can definitely set out to discover San Juan’s winding streets on your own, we would recommend booking a walking tour––particularly one that includes food sampling––to optimize your visit and ensure you don’t fall for tourist traps.

This Old Town Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings costs $157, and it’s one of the top-rated activities in the city.

Santiago de Chile, Chile

The capital of Latin America’s longest, most unusually narrow state, Santiago de Chile, is a fast-developing metropolitan zone resting in the bottom of a valley surrounded by the towering, snow-capped Andes mountains.

Though it does have a beautiful colonial center and is host to a number of Spanish-built landmarks, like the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, it’s a city most easily recognized for its thriving business districts, innovative skyscrapers, and disruptive modernism.

Walking around Downtown Santiago, with its cooler weather and gigantic, glass-and-steel high-rises looming over busy thoroughfares, one might be led to believe they’re in Chicago or Toronto instead––except it’s Spanish that’s widely spoken in the streets.

Regarding safety, while we wouldn’t advise you to leave your phone on a tabletop as you dine on an outdoor patio or wear valuables that may attract pickpockets, violent crime is less of an issue in Santiago compared to other Latin American metropolises like São Paulo or Medellin.

For an even safer experience, we would recommend you stay close to Downtown, where there’s a plethora of foreigner-friendly hotels to pick from and wide plazas that are well-surveilled: this fall, Mercure Santiago Centro is an affordable accommodation option costing $76 per night.

As the State Department reiterates, simply exercise increased caution when visiting, as you would in any big city.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Mexico is the most popular vacation destination for American travelers. But that popularity comes at a cost….and a significant hit to your wallet.

Popular resorts like Cancun and Tulum are often big-budget destinations. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Enter Puerto Escondido. The new hot Mexican beach destination for travelers who have a tight grip on their purse strings.

Puerto Escondido is home to bucket list-worthy beaches, it’s the top-rated surfing destination in Mexico (and one of the best in the world), and boasts outstanding natural beauty, too.

Here’s the thing: Budget travel doesn’t have to mean inferior travel.

I reckon you can have all the same cultural explorations, white sand beaches, and epic local grub at a fraction of the cost of a resort vacation in Cancun.

And to prove it, here’s a breakdown of the perfect trip to Puerto Escondido and how much it will cost:

Things To Do In Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is located on the Emerald Coast of Oaxaca and is known for its beaches and its epic nightlife scene.

One of the best beaches to explore in the area is Playa Carrizalillo, which is a calm cove perfect for swimming and kayaking.

This is one of the few beaches in Puerto Escondido where you could take out a paddleboard too.

Or Puerto Angelito. This is a more popular spot with tourists which means it is busier and has a more vibrant atmosphere.

But it’s a great place to eat seafood and sunbathe on the soft sand.

I love nothing more than spending time on the beach, swimming, and riding my paddleboard, but as an added bonus, these are some of the most affordable vacation activities: they don’t have to cost a penny!

Many turtles come back to the beaches along this stretch of the coast to nest.

Visiting the Baby Turtle Release Centre is a great way to learn more about these incredible creatures, and you can do your bit for their conservation by getting involved in the nightly turtle release.

You can hold the baby turtle as you gently release it into the sea and experience the site of hundreds of these tiny animals scuttling toward the water.

You’ll be asked to make a contribution of $150 Mexican pesos ($8) per person to take part in this.

If you’re in Mexico’s surfing capital, you’re probably going to want to surf.

Surfers travel from all over the world to ride Puerto Escondido’s famous barrel waves.

If you’re an experienced surfer then the best and most affordable way to do this is to just hire a board and hit the waves.

If you’re new to surfing then it’s a good idea to take a lesson or two first. Puerto Surf has a great reputation and you can choose between private or group lesson options (with group lessons being the most affordable choice.) A group lesson will cost 750 MXN ($39) and a private lesson will cost 900 MXN ($47).

Getting To Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido boasts its own airport (PXM) Airport which is obviously the most convenient option, but you can’t fly here directly from the U.S. right now as it isn’t an international airport.  

You’d have to fly to Mexico City and then take another flight from here.

The 2 cheapest airports to choose to fly this route in October are Houston and Chicago, at the time of writing.

From Chicago, from October 8 to October 15, flying economy class roundtrip, you can expect to pay $276.

This is flying with Vivo Aerobus, and as I mentioned above, you’d have a layover in Mexico City.

Or you could fly into Oaxaca (OAX), which is 131.3km away, with a range of transfer options available.

In October, you can fly directly to Oaxaca from Los Angeles, Dallas, or Houston. Flights from Los Angeles are currently the cheapest option.

Fly from October 7 to October 14 to secure an economy class round trip for $269.

You’ll fly with Volaris, and the flight time for this route is just 4 hours and 2 minutes.

There are flights with similar prices throughout October and November.

The drive time between Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido is just under 3 hours if you want to hire a car or a private driver. (Fun fact! It took me longer to get to Tulum from Cancun airport via private transfer in May)

Alternatively, you could take a bus, which would take around 7/8 hours, but on the bright side, the journey costs less than $20!

Where To Stay In Puerto Escondido

Where I was most pleasantly surprised when putting this piece together was just how affordable accommodation is in Puerto Escondido.

There are hostels available in the city for as little as $15 per night, and these are popular with both backpackers and surfers.

A huge majority of these have great reviews. But as I wouldn’t stay in a hostel myself, I won’t list any here!

A 3-night stay in the 3-star Hotel Camino Del Sol from October 16 to October 19 would cost $189, based on 2 people sharing a superior king room. That’s just $63 per night, and the hotel has a pool, air conditioning, and is close to the beach.

If you want to splurge on a 4 star hotel then the Hotel DC Boutique and Spa is just 50 meters from the beach and boasts a rooftop outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, and on site bar and restaurant.

For the same dates this would cost $268 based on 2 people sharing, which works out at $89 per night.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 6 months ago

Spain’s latest train cost a whopping $5.9 million to make travel faster, more efficient, modern, and fun zooming between the second most popular country on Earth’s most renowned cities.

Fortunately, you only have to pay a microscopic fraction of that at just $8…if you act fast!

All travelers love a good deal, no matter if you splurge on a stay at the Ritz or opt for space-age capsule hotels to stretch your budget.

There’s perhaps no better deal for train travel in Europe right now than Spain’s newly launched Renfe Avlo’s S106 trains, connecting travelers to 7 of the country’s top destinations.

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Spain has always been popular, but it’s on pace to become”numero uno” in 2040 forcing France to say “au revoir” to first place.

Are my Rosetta Stone lessons paying off?

While they’re sitting fat and happy in second place for the time being, there are a ton of reasons why.

As travel has roared back, Spain has seen a massive surge in tourism from border to border and island to island.

Between legendary cities like Barcelona and Madrid brimming with history and sunny paradisal islands like Mallorca and Formentera, can you really go wrong?

As household names have become even more popular than usual, new hotspots have emerged as well.

Take Benalmadena, for example, a beautiful coastal city experiencing more visitors to the point where it’s reasonable to ask if there’s such a thing as a hidden gem in Spain anymore.

Digital nomads are partly to “blame” as Spain has become one of Europe’s best options for long-term stays for remote workers.

All of this and more is why it’s so enticing for new trains, such as Renfo Avlo’s latest addition, to provide more transit options to Spain’s top cities.

As Paris transforms into Olympic Land in the coming weeks, Spain will keep its true authenticity, making this iconic country even more appealing as a summer getaway.

Renfe’s New Speedy Routes To 7 Of Spain’s Best Destinations

Madrid? Barcelona? Valencia? Where will you go? Good news is you can go to all 3, plus 3 more.

Renfe is the national rail operator of Spain and Renfe Avlo is a low-cost, high-speed train service under the ‘Renfe’ umbrella.

If Spain is a must for you this summer, you’re definitely not alone. But how you get around is a key component to a fun trip.

This the most exciting new way to experience Spain by being able to check off 7 amazing cities ranging from iconic to lesser known.

These are the 6 new routes with a $8 introductory promo:

• Madrid – València
• Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona
• Alicante – Madrid
• Murcia – Valladolid
• Valladolid – Alicante
• Madrid – Murcia

That’s the plan for now, but rumor has it there are more to come!

As for how to score the $8 deal, all you have to do is go to Renfe’s official website here and pick your route.

There is no mention of an expiration date for the sale, but travel dates cannot extend beyond July 21, 2024 for promotional fares.

What To Expect On Board

You could argue Avlo is the “Spirit Airline” of train travel, or to put in European lingo, the “Ryanair of the rails”.

Although, it’s not quite no-frills – there are some nice amenities to make your journey more enjoyable especially after the upgrade to new S106 models.

Here are some added perks to expect on board:

• Luggage compartments
• Automatic vending machines dispensing hot and cold refreshments
• Touch screens with exclusive PlayRenfre entertainment options
• Power outlets (Don’t forget your adapter!)
• Complimentary wifi access

Classes are divided into 3 sections:

• Comfort (2×2 seating)
• Standard (3×3 seating)
• Tourist (3×3 seating)

Zooming from city to city at approximately 186 mph, you can explore so many cool spots in Spain, all while avoiding the hassle of airports in comfort, taking epic photos.

Rather than arrive 2-3 hours before departure, which airlines usually recommend, Renfe recommends just half an hour.

Like airlines, train tickets will need to be shown with a valid ID to match the exact name.

Before purchasing, you will need to create a new Renfe account online.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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Last Updated 1 year ago

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world. In fact, it recently ranked as the number one cruise line for travelers in a new trends report.

If you’ve never been on a cruise before, Royal Caribbean is a great cruise line to choose because they offer something for everyone and have a good reputation and high customer satisfaction rate. Many cruisers are loyal to Royal Caribbean and don’t travel with any other cruise line.

Royal Caribbean made headlines last year when they announced Icon of the Seas, which will become the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in January 2024.

This ship will accommodate a staggering 5,610 guests on 18 passenger decks. The ship also features seven swimming pools, eight distinct “neighborhoods” to explore, more than 40 restaurants, cafes, and bars, and half a dozen water slides and attractions.

However, Icon of the Seas may not actually be the best choice for first-time cruisers.

This massive ship might be overwhelming if you’ve never been on a cruise before, and it’s only offering 7-night Caribbean cruises out of Miami, Florida in 2023.

Why Utopia of the Seas Is Perfect For Your First Cruise

Royal Caribbean is also launching another new cruise ship in 2024.

Although Icon of the Seas received a lot of press because it will be the world’s largest cruise ship when it arrives, Royal Caribbean is debuting a brand-new ship called Utopia of the Seas in 2024 too.

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This ship is actually a better choice for first-time cruisers.

Utopia of the Seas, which will begin cruising in June 2024, is part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships. These ships are chock-full of amenities, and Utopia of the Seas will have more than 20 dining options, 20 bars and entertainment venues, five swimming pools, water slides, and more.

However, it will be the only Oasis-class ship to cruise exclusively 3-night and 4-night Bahamas itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

This is one of the only extra-large ships to do such short itineraries. Most of the ships doing these cruises are older and smaller.

But Utopia of the Seas will give first-time cruises a taste of what cruising is like. You’ll get to enjoy all the amenities of an Oasis-class ship without having to commit to a 7-night (or longer) cruise.

Where Will Utopia of the Seas Go?

Utopia of the Seas will sail exclusively in the Bahamas from Port Canaveral during its first season. You’ll get to spend a day in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, as well as CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s own private island.

According to Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley, this new ship is perfect for “vacationers [who] are looking to make every moment count by celebrating and recharging with their friends and family. We’ve combined the best of the best to create the world’s biggest weekend for everyone.”

Since all the sailings in 2024 are just 3 or 4 nights, first-time cruisers can spend a long weekend trying out this style of travel that is rapidly growing in popularity before committing to a longer cruise.

The Bahamas offer something for everyone, whether you want to spend a day relaxing on the beach, enjoy a tour of the island, or try an adventurous outdoor activity.

Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay has been named the best private cruise line island for three years running, and it offers two private beaches, swimming pools, more than a dozen waterslides, and various swim-up bars and dining options.

Hideaway Beach, an adults-only retreat, is also opening on the island in 2024.

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