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You’re probably thinking winters in Europe are all about cobbled towns enveloped in mist, cozy Christmas Markets, and snow-clad landscapes, and while that’s certainly true for Prague, Edinburgh, and the like, this hidden island doesn’t seem to have got the memo.

As a matter of fact, it seems like it’s forever stuck on spring, with highs of 68°F and lows of only 66°F in winter, plenty of sunshine hours, and very, very limited rainfall––as for snow, it’s an unheard-of phenomenon.

If you’re craving some of that Old World culture, but you’re also craving that vitamin D boost, El Hierro in Spain is the answer to your prayers:

A Forgotten Gem Of The Atlantic

The second-smallest and most westerly of Spain’s Canaries, an archipelago lying off the coast of Africa, El Hierro is a laid-back island sized 103.67 square miles that makes up for its relatively small landmass with a thriving nature.

It is definitely not the side of Europe you may be expecting, with the medieval castles and storybook towns, with unique geological formations, ancient forests, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes taking center stage.

Charco Azul, a natural pool formed by a lava flow and filled with unusually clear, turquoise waters, is one of El Hierro’s most famous landmarks: it’s a popular spot for swimming, and there are no entry fees, though the nearby cafe will charge €2 for the toilet.

A symbol of El Hierro, El Golfo is a valley resulting from a powerful eruption thousands of years ago and shaped like an amphitheater––even when nature is the prevailing force, you just can’t escape Europe’s omnipresent culture.

The moderately challenging uphill trek to Mirador de la Peña is a must-do, not only for the breathtaking views that await at the very top but also for the stone-built Restaurante Mirador de La Peña, serving traditional Canarian food in a scenic setting.

UNESCO-Protected Laurel Forests & Pristine Beaches

Other natural wonders include El Sabinar, a row of twisting and bending juniper trees that have somehow survived the harsh environment, Charco Manso, yet another natural pool, shielded by basalt rock and distinguished by its picture-perfect arch, and Laurisilva:

Similarly to the other Canary Islands, El Hierro is mostly arid in nature, but at its very center, the moss-covered laurel maze is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering refuge to Canarian wildlife and crisscrossed by hiking trails.

As for beaches, El Hierro doesn’t have the expansive sea dunes both Tenerife and Gran Canaria are famous for––the coastline is remarkably rugged––except for Arenas Blancas, a white-sand beach hugged by a teal Atlantic, a rather unusual sight on a volcanic island.

Experience Canarian Culture In Valverde

Valverde is the capital and cultural center of El Hierro, located on the island’s northeastern part: it is distinct for being the smallest capital of a Canary Island, as well as the only one not straddling the ocean (instead, it’s surrounded by a verdant countryside).

It is the best-equipped municipality on El Hierro, as well as where most of the restaurants and manmade landmarks are located: for great seafood at affordable prices, Yesimar is the place, and don’t miss a Baroque Purísima Concepción Parish Church.

Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, El Hierro was inhabited by the Bimbaches, Berber peoples from North Africa, and in El Julan, you can still see their ancient petroglyphs carved on rocks, with guided tours being your best bet at deciphering them.

The most fascinating attraction on the island, however, is Punta de Orchilla, the westernmost point in non-contiguous Spain… and the exact spot where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the New World.

Affordable Accommodation

Despite the island’s compact size and small population, with only about 11,000 Spaniards calling it home, it doesn’t suffer from lacking tourism infrastructure: there are exactly 47 accommodation providers listed on the island, from guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Located near Isora, Casa Carlos is a typical El Hierro rural homestay, with two-bedroom houses costing as little as $95 a night; in Mocanal, Casa Rural Aguarijo is a three-bedroom property where overnights will set you back by only $88.

In Valverde, there are good-value-for-money options in Hotel Boomerang ($74) and a one-bedroom apartment unit in V.V Juana ($48), or if you’re here for the coastal views and luxurious amenities, the Parador de El Hierro costs $213 to book per night.

The only flights to Valverde-El Hierro (VDE) are operated from Gran Canaria and Tenerife-North, so in order to reach this Atlantic Eden, you’ll first need to get yourself to one of the major resort islands of the Canaries archipelago.

Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Los Cristianos, in Tenerife, to El Hierro: there are departures 6 days a week, and the company operating on this route is Naviera Armas, with a crossing time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

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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If you’re tired of fighting your way to swim-up bars in Cancun and Los Cabos, there’s another resort-laden paradise with numerous direct flights from the U.S. waiting to be discovered.

While many Canadians take advantage of flocking here to escape the blistering cold, Americans are still behind the curve, seeming to give too much credence to travel advisories in favor of the usual safe havens, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.

Make no mistake, these are Americans’ favorite go-to’s for a reason, but even Cancun, as popular as it may be, has seen random violent crime sprees in touristy areas.

I just got back home from Ixtapa, a sunkissed resort town in the state of Guerrero boasting year-round 90-degree days surrounded by staggering green mountains and swaying palm trees over crystal clear waters and spotless beaches.

Believe it or not, I’m laying my travel reputation on the line as a former Cabo Sun journalist to tell you it’s prettier than Los Cabos and so much less of a burden on your wallet.

Despite Level 4: Do Not Travel designation from the U.S. State Department, Ixtapa is Guerrero’s lone bright spot that couldn’t feel any safer, more luxurious or authentic, especially when it comes to the region’s sinfully delicious coastal cuisine.

Zihuatanejo May Be Trendy, But Don’t Sleep On Ixtapa

“Zihua”, as locals say, has become a trendy destination on many travel lists over the past year or so, largely in part due to the lavish Thompson Hotel opening doors.

But, sometimes vacationers make the mistake of getting too comfortable sticking to the resort grounds without stepping foot in the city, and the temptation is understanding with such posh amenities being thrown at you left and right.

Even if you stay in Zihua, the up-and-coming smaller sister city of Ixtapa is worth venturing over for the beaches alone, and well-equipped for a surge in travelers with such high-end resorts such as:

• Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa
• Hotel Fontan Ixtapa
• Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
• Sunscape Dorado Pacifico
• Barcelo Ixtapa

Ixtapa is only a 20-minute cab ride from the airport (ZIH), and no, there’s no Uber here, but don’t worry about scammy taxi drivers, as rates are clearly published beforehand.

Once you arrive, you’ll discover postcard-worthy beaches, including a certified Blue Flag beach that is literally flawless. There wasn’t a speck of trash in sight walking up and down Playa El Palmar.

While rare, the only concern to keep a watchful eye on are crocodiles and occasional strong currents represented by the color of the flag posted each day.

The small town center is very walkable through the resort area, including a Senor Frogs Cantina. Every resort town has to have one, right?

My Stay At Barcelo Ixtapa

I stayed at 5-star Barcelo Ixtapa, “splurging” on the all-inclusive package for just $170 per night total for 2 people.

Try that in Cabo….

Of the resorts lined along the aforementioned Playa El Palmar, Barcelo seemed to be the most luxurious and undoubtedly offered the best pools, especially the middle pool of the resort’s trio overlooking the Pacific and security guards blocking off pestering vendors.

Shamelessly in “Vacation Mode” for 4 days, I lost count of the Pina Coladas and Cuba Libres I indulged in at both swim-up bars, but my recommendation is to pick your poison rather than house-brand, watered-down slushies.

If you can swing it, booking a corner ‘Oceanview’ room is the way to go, in my opinion, but the mountain views on the opposite side are equally stunning to wake up to.

Treating yourself to ‘Premium’ upgrades isn’t worth it as the buffets are well stocked with a variety of cuisine ranging from an omelet station at breakfast to a seafood lover’s dream on Saturdays with a sprawling feast of grilled lobster tails, spicy octopus, and shrimp paella.

If you book the standard all-inclusive package, just know you’re limited to a single specialty restaurant every 3 days, but multiple buffets and the Caracol Snack Bar more than make up for it.

$5 Well Spent: Take A Day Trip To Isla Ixtapa

The beauty of all-inclusives is you only have to worry about tipping, but if you’ve got an extra Abe Lincoln to spare, then you have to check out Isla Ixtapa via water taxi for only $5 round-trip.

You can book a tour here, but it’s easy to reach on your own and more fun to explore without the language barrier.

To get here, take a cab to Playa Linda and walk by the Crocodile Lagoon, through the souvenir shops to the Embarcadero.

Here is where you’ll buy tickets and board the water taxi. The ride itself is a sight to behold, but I recommend getting off at Playa Verdero instead of Playa Coral as it’s more of a hideaway from fisherman bringing in your soon-to-be sold “catch of the day”.

Choosing a place to eat lunch will be your only headache here, but I suggest El Indio. Ask for Carlos, who was kind enough to provide free sunscreen after my boneheaded mistake of leaving it in my room.

You’ll have a ton of options, but the servers suggest the Mahi Mahi and Ceviche. I had the latter, and it exceeded the hype, along with ice-cold cervezas and a Pina Colada served inside a pineapple.

Snorkeling equipment is only $10 to rent and well worth swimming in the calm waters.

It truly felt like we were inside an aquarium with how many vibrant species of fish we saw.

Ixtapa’s Top Hidden Gem: Ruins Yet To Be Undiscovered

As destinations such as Tulum have sky-rocketed in popularity, a key factor in their newfound fame has been how cool it is to deep-dive into former worlds, unlike anything we experience in today’s screen-addicted society.

While Ixtapa doesn’t offer staggering ruins to the levels of like Teotihicuan or Chichen Itza, just 40 minutes away is Xihuacan (a.k.a. “La chole”), a smaller site accessible by guided tours for a surcharge or free to enter on your own.

Dating back 3000 years, the well-preserved ruins of Xihuacan are still being unearthed to this day.

You’ll find a museum of artifacts used by various cultures over time amongst clay pyramids and a Mesoamerican ball court.

TripAdvisor ranks the Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour as the top guide for exploring this hidden world of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo’s past.

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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Montana-based Yellowstone hijacked our TV screens for 5 seasons, hoisting this underrated state of natural wonders to center stage for unbounded wildlife spotting, otherworldly hikes, cozy cabin stays, and down-home charm in trendy cities like Bozeman.

But there’s one Montana mountain town exuding pure opulence for the ultimate winter wonderland vacation.

Adventure meets luxury in Big Sky – a scenic resort town curated for visitors to unwind in rustic lodges and lavish resorts or let loose on the slopes.

2025 will be a big year for this under-hyped hideaway, nestled high in the snow-dusted Gallatin National Forest.

A luxe new resort, the first of its kind, is set to open doors in 2025, complementing an already wide selection of high-end stays ranging from homey cabins with fireplaces to posh villas with sweeping mountain views.

Big Sky: Montana’s Luxurious Winter Wonderland

If you’re looking for a quaint mountain paradise away from big city hustle and bustle, Big Sky is your type of place.

Located just an hour from Bozeman’s airport (BZN), a magical wintry escape awaits with easy connections ranging from budget airlines like Allegiant to traveler favorites Southwest, Delta, and all the major names.

Upon arriving, you’ll discover an elevated village oozing quintessential winter vibes dotted with inviting cabins to cozy up by the fire or ample resorts to enjoy extra perks like heated pools, world-class spas, and private balconies for majestic views.

While skiing and snowboarding, among other adventure sports, aren’t for everyone, Big Sky is an incredible destination to partake in a variety of mountain thrills, including dog sledding and winter fly fishing for a unique spin on typical winter fun.

Unless you’re a digital nomad who struck it rich, Big Sky suits all types of travelers and makes for a great family vacation for those who embrace the ‘highs of 31′ degree days rather than seeking out sun-kissed shores.

Big Sky’s Newest Resort: A First Of Its Kind In The U.S.

According to The Independent, summer 2025 will be groundbreaking in more ways than one for a luxury brand Americans may not be familiar with, given it’s their first foray on U.S. soil.

With a fitting brand for the situation, One&Only opens their one and only resort in the U.S. If you’re unfamiliar, you can find other lavish resorts in vacation icons like The Maldives, Los Cabos, and Dubai, among other bucket-list getaways.

One&Only Moonlight Basin’s website is up and running for a sneak peak of what’s come next summer.

One of the major highlights fitting for Montana’s exclusivity is 19 chic cabins and 62 private homes on site, which will surely cost a pretty penny.

Gather your friends to pitch in for the trip of a lifetime as there are 5+ bedrooms in each of the posh private homes.

There may be at least 5 months left before commencing a ribbon-cutting ceremony, but you can preview the resort grounds by viewing their descriptive map, which features a world-class spa, ski lodge, gondola, and soon-to-be-named ‘specialty restaurant’.

Come summertime, there will be a variety of adventurous activities in the region’s lush nature, such as hiking, archery, or fishing and canoeing Ulery’s Lake, plus access to The Reserve, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course claiming to be his ‘most beautiful course’ yet.

From Lodges To Resorts: Big Sky’s Top-Rated Stays

Since you have half a year before you can check out One&Only’s latest venture, you can still opt for other incredible stays if you’re not into playing the waiting game.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 luxury hotels in Big Sky: (based on traveler ranking)

1. Lone Mountain Ranch
2. The Summit At Big Sky
3. Montage Big Sky
4. Collective Yellowstone (high-end “glamping”)
5. Aspects Big Sky

If you’re more of a cozy cabin, s’more-roasting type like myself, don’t fret; Big Sky has you covered.

While TripAdvisor doesn’t share recommendations for rustic lodges or wooded cabins, I did my own research for you (and maybe myself one day).

There are many listings fitting the bill on Vrbo and Airbnb, but I’d pick Cowboy Heaven Cabins. What’s more Montana than that?

These homey log cabins are ‘ski-in ski-out’ with private hot tubs and comfortably house up to 6 people.

Just know there’s really no such thing as “budget stays” within Big Sky, but the pristine resort town holds rave reviews claiming it’s well worth a splurge.

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 2 weeks ago

Southern California has quite literally had a hellacious week as out-of-control fires have ravaged Los Angeles.

While there are certainly a lot of question marks about what went wrong and how better to handle future disasters, over-regulations and bureaucratic nonsense are no strangers to the “Golden State,” no matter which side of the fence you stand politically.

We first announced last summer San Diego’s alternate airport was reopening their doors to the public after previously failed ventures, but it turns out we jumped the gun…slightly.

Being a 10-year San Diego resident, I should’ve known better before reporting such news, as anything fresh, new, and exciting within California’s borders often comes with contingencies.

As such, it’s now a new year and San Diego County just got around to approving commercial flights to San Diego’s new alternative airport – and no, it’s not locals’ favorite Tijuana loophole. That’s old news.

American Airlines Is Coming To Carlsbad

When we first revealed the surprising news that Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) was reopening doors to the public, many of you chimed in with mixed feelings.

It begs the question, one, if it’s necessary, and two, will it be a game-changer?

If you’re unaware, Carlsbad is a very family-friendly, soccer-mom beach town sandwiched roughly 40 minutes north of San Diego proper and just 25 minutes from Orange County.

In recent years, local businessman Ted Vallas had lofty dreams for California Pacific Airlines to anchor CLD with regional flights to such places as Vegas and Oakland, but flying out of Carlsbad on a no-name carrier never caught on.

Having launched a year or two before the pandemic, chances are this grand venture would’ve ceased operations anyway.

Nowadays, CLD only serves Advanced Air seasonally to Mammoth Lakes and JSX, a public charter making a name for itself on social media as a new, trendy concept.

As you see, CLD has long missed out on major players. That will soon change in February when American Airlines enters the chat, a historic first for SoCal and even more so for Carlsbad.

Is Flying To/From Carlsbad Worth It?

Perhaps others disagree, but I’ve seen hyping up Carlsbad and San Diego’s other cluster of northern beach towns for years as go-to destinations in their own right.

Carlsbad has more than enough to make your base with high-end resorts like one of my favorites, Park Hyatt Aviara, and more kiddo-friendly LEGOLAND for those who have never felt the pain of stepping on a Lego and who think Disneyland is a bit too overwhelming.

Not to mention the small-town charm of Carlsbad Village, teeming with popular local eats, swim trunk-appropriate bars, and even more resorts along Southern California’s famous shores.

So, will people fly directly here, or is it worth dealing with San Diego International Airport’s ongoing construction headaches?

Well, the ladder won’t go on forever, and America has only committed to dipping its toe in the water with one route to Phoenix launching on February 13.

Plus, Orange County is home to John Wayne Airport (SNA) with many more flights, so you’re not exactly finding a loophole by flying into Carlsbad.

What Are The Benefits?

It all boils down to what you want to do. If you’re the type who wants a taste of city life and to check off San Diego’s bucket list attractions like the world-famous zoo, maybe fly to San Diego.

If you want to check out San Diego’s quintessential beach towns with fewer tourists and more of a local feel, Carlsbad is your best bet to visit not only Carlsbad itself but also local gems like Solana Beach and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

There’s one type of traveler who will benefit the most – both California and Arizona road trippers.

Each state hates seeing each other’s license plates across state lines, and it’s fair to say driving each way across the desert becomes monotonous.

More flights to the San Diego region and Arizona’s sole metropolis makes weekend getaways more efficient, plus more connectivity to one of American’s main hubs since San Diego isn’t as connected as LA.

For example, flying through Phoenix was a life-saver for me on Thanksgiving Day after my flight was canceled.

With no other options to turn to, there was one flight left with a layover in Phoenix, ultimately connecting me to my final destination.

Albeit, this was American’s other new nonstop route to Phoenix out of Tijuana, but the same premise applies.

I would have much rather flown out of Carlsbad to avoid the hassle of customs, so if anything, Carlsbad serves as a great lifeline for last-minute schedule changes.

Regardless, time will tell if Carlsbad becomes a new hotspot. History says no, but CLD has never had a cornerstone of American Airlines’ magnitude.

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 10 mins ago

Year after year, the love and appreciation Americans have for Mexico always seem to grow no matter how grim a picture is painted of their southerly neighbor.

It is, by a long mile, the most popular international destination for U.S. passport holders, regardless of concerns about petty crime and gang activity, which time and again make mainstream media headlines.

While it’s true there are certain Mexican states that you wouldn’t want to find yourself traveling alone as a foreigner––like any other country with good and bad parts––most tourist hotspots south of the border are relatively safe for visiting.

You don’t need to trust a complete stranger who writes travel articles for a living online: trust U.S. authorities.

If you’re planning on escaping to Mexico in the coming weeks for some much-needed time in the sun or a cultural immersion, here are 4 of the safest destinations as confirmed by the U.S. State Department itself:

Los Cabos

Mexico’s top destination for unwinding, boasting an enviable concentration of luxurious hotels, Los Cabos, is one of the least-dangerous beach destinations for risk-averse travelers.

For starters, most travelers heading to Cabo will be staying in an all-inclusive resort with their own private beach and world-class amenities, and even those who dare venture outside will find a strictly surveilled downtown area.

Police officers regularly patrol public beaches along the resort strip between the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, and there is a presence of CCTV and security guards in touristy districts.

When it comes to tourists being affected by crime, very few, if any at all, report complaints: in fact, it’s the exact opposite, as they’re spending a longer time in Cabo than other coastal destinations in Mexico, drawn to its safety and laid-back vibe.

Riviera Nayarit

An up-and-coming leisure hotspot stretching for over 200 miles along the Mexican Pacific, from Nuevo Vallarta, on the Jalisco-Nayarit state border, to San Blas, the Riviera Nayarit is dotted with peaceful beachfront settlements and pristine marine reserves.

It is often skipped altogether by tourists landing in Puerto Vallarta, the trendy resort city on the Jalisco side, but as it turns out, the state of Nayarit is much safer:

In fact, U.S. authorities urge Americans to ‘reconsider’ traveling to Jalisco due to elevated crime and gang activity, while they simply encourage them to exercise ‘greater caution’ in the state of Nayarit, including its beautiful coast.

Be it surfer paradise Sayulita, the picture-perfect Bucerias, with its cobbled Main Street leading down to the ocean, or a well-frequented Guayabitos Beach, Americans are under no particularly significant risk vacationing up and down Nayarit.

Tulum

The crown jewel of the Mexican Caribbean, Tulum is a historic coastal town combining both Old World allure and wellness:

Its main beach is bounded by a series of five-star resorts and exclusive villas, while Tulum’s ancient archeological zone is highly sought-after by culture enthusiasts, thanks to its well-preserved temples and a scenic fort overlooking the Caribbean.

Similarly to other municipalities in the state of Quintana Roo, like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Tulum is considered a Level 2 destination by the U.S. State Department––in other words, crime is largely kept under control and reduced to petty incidents.

Though violence can take place, it is mostly restricted to suburban zones not visited by foreigners, and when it does spill over into Downtown, it typically involves individuals engaging in illicit activities and participating in gang culture.

Merida

The only destination on this list that American authorities consider perfectly safe to visit, Merida is a much-overlooked cultural gem of the Yucatan Peninsula that’s only recently started gaining traction, thanks to its improved connectivity with the Maya Train.

Capital of Yucatan (the state), it is distinguished for being one of the best-preserved colonial cities of the Americas, home to the oldest Spanish-built cathedral in the mainland continent, and a near-intact historic center with brightly-painted facades and leafy, cafe-bordered plazas.

Other than its notorious charm, Merida has attained popularity for its low-risk status as a destination: at Level 1, according to the U.S. State Department, Americans should exercise ‘normal’ precautions when visiting.

This means that, while petty crime and theft can occur, violent approaches are extremely unlikely, and the overwhelming majority of tourists will have a stress-free experience in Merida.

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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Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

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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.