Archives February 2025

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We all know Milan for its grandiose edifices and art galleries, high fashion, and ornate Duomo––is there truly a more beautiful Gothic cathedral?––but there’s no denying it’s a bit out of the budget for the average traveler.

Between $202-a-night on hotels, and $107 on meals and transportation every day, a one-week city break in Italy’s elegant Northern metropolis does not come cheap, and that’s without factoring in the long wait to get into museums and hordes of tourists.

Luckily, there is this off-path gem a short 55-minute train ride from Milan that’s both comparatively cheaper and less crowded:

What Is Turin Famous For?

The capital and largest city of Piedmont, an alpine region in northwestern Italy, Turin is everything tourists wish Milan would be:

A different side of Italy than that you might be hoping to find if it’s Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast you’ve got your heart set on, it’s not exactly a maze of pastel-colored houses and cobblestones––in fact, it’s oftentimes called Paris of the East due to its Belle époque cityscape.

It has Milan’s grandiose architecture, with beautiful wide avenues lined by stately buildings, and the unrivaled food scene, except it’s not exactly overpriced nor crumbling under the weight of mass tourism as its sisterly metropolis.

It is best characterized by its plethora of Savoyard monuments, most notably Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, and public squares so magnificent they look like palace courtyards, bordered by cafes that exude Old World charm.

Turin Is One Of Italy’s Most Historically-Significant Cities

Turin is also incredibly rich in history, having served as the first capital of Italy when the country was unified in the 19th century, and prior to that, it was the seat of the House of Savoy, one of Europe’s wealthiest royal houses.

A visit to Turin can be summarized in people-watching alfresco as you sip some cappuccino at Piazza Castello, exploring palaces, browsing the shops at Via Roma (Turin’s liveliest thoroughfare and its response to Paris’ Champs-Élysées), and strolling the scenic Po riverside.

Of course, there are some attractions you shouldn’t miss out on, like the soaring spire that dominates the skyline: Mole Antonelliana. Upon its completion, it was the tallest masonry building in Europe and now a permanent home to the National Museum of Cinema.

If you’re not a cinephile, you can still take a lift to the top of the Mole for around $9.41 (the views of Turin’s grid-like design backed by snow-capped mountains are breathtaking).

To our fellow museum geeks, the local Museo Egizio, opened as early as 1824, is one of Europe’s greatest collections of Egyptian artifacts, and when visiting the richly-decorated, marble-domed Chapel of the Holy Shroud, look for the Holy Shroud itself.

Yes, according to ancient tradition, the linen cloth used in Jesus’ burial is right here in Turin––some archeologists will dispute that, but in the very least, it’s a beautiful Baroque church worth checking out.

Unique Things To Do In Turin In 2025

Looking for unique activities to make your time in Turin even more memorable?

There’s no visiting Turin without sampling its world-class cocoa products:

Chocolate-making is a long-standing Torinese tradition, so much so it is considered one of Europe’s chocolate capitals.

It’s no wonder the Turin Chocolate Tasting Experience is a best-seller on GetYourGuide, combining sightseeing with visits to local chocolatiers, for only $39.77.

All that talk of food making you hungry yet?

You should definitely add this market tour, guided by a cesarina (an Italian female home cook) and topped with lunch back at hers, for $145.47.

This Is How Affordable Turin Is

On that note, Turin is surprisingly affordable by Northern Italy standards.

Considering it is so close to Milan, being under an hour away by train, you’d expect it to be as expensive as the Capital of Fashion––in reality, hotels here average a much-cheaper $165, and tourists will find themselves spending $77 on meals per day.

In reality, prices can be way lower, even:

The cheapest private room in Turin in summer, with an external bathroom, will set you back by $40 per night, at Hotel Serenella, while the 3-star Green Class Hotel Astoria, in the heart of the historic center, costs $80 to book.

Don’t mind splurging a little?

The luxurious Grand Hotel Sitea, on the well-frequented Via Carlo Alberto, and just behind Piazza San Carlo, has overnight rates starting from $196 for single rooms, a superb breakfast included.

You could always treat yourself to dinner with a view at an upscale restaurant, though we’d argue finding an affordable, locally-run trattoria where dinner seems to have been prepared by someone’s nonna is much more satisfying.

Try Pizzeria e Panozzeria La Sarda for delicious $8 pizzas, or the highly-rated Monegato Primi Secondi a Nessuno for excellent homemade pasta (and A+ service that won’t break the bank).

You get the gist of it:

Turin is relatively cheap, it has beautiful architecture, and it’s the perfect alternative to Milan if you can’t stand the Instagrammer crowds.

Are we really surprised, then, Europe-based travel agency TUI has named it best European getaway this February?

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 1 min ago

As an American, you probably have always enjoyed hassle-free travel worldwide due to the prestige of your passport, which grants you unrestricted access to the vast majority of destinations worldwide.

A U.S. passport is one of the most valuable travel documents, from the Americas to Europe, down to Asia, and over in Africa (though with its limitations).

In 2025, however, your U.S. citizenship will not exempt you from paying a mandatory fee to visit certain places––and if you refuse to pay, there’s no amount of passport power that will save you from getting stopped at the border if you didn’t pay a sneaky fee.

Be it tourist taxes, digital visas, or the so-called ETAs (Electronic Travel Authorizations), here are 4 hugely popular destinations that will have Americans shelling out the dough in 2025:

Venice, Italy

Venice is the most romantic city in Italy.

A complex manmade archipelago interconnected by bridges and narrow, gondola-navigated canals, it is a permanent feature on the bucket list of countless Europe-bound travelers.

Something you must know ahead of visiting is that, on certain times of the year, you’ll be required to book your entry and pay a tax in order to visit the historic center.

The measure was introduced back in 2024, and it’s being brought back for 2025 with two significant updates:

Instead of only 29, the tax will apply on 54 days this year, and if you register to enter Venice less than four days preceding your planned arrival, the price will double from last year’s €5 to €10 (roughly $10.48).

It doesn’t sound like a particularly strong pinch, but what if we told you that, unless you have a valid pass, you can’t see Venice at all? And you didn’t fly all this way for nothing, right?

Now, there are exceptions to the rule: the fee is only levied on tourists on certain dates, typically over the high season, and it only applies to day-trippers.

If you’re staying in the historic center (as in, the City of Venice itself, not neighboring Mestre), you are exempt from paying––you only have to pay the nightly tax.

This is particularly relevant to note, as many tourists will actually stay in Mestre, the mainland ‘extension’ of Venice, a short 13-minute train ride away, to avoid paying upwards of $250-a-night on a canal-facing hotel, so keep that in mind.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Next up, we have one closer to home:

Believe it or not, Puerto Vallarta is imposing a new tourist tax on American newcomers––and every other foreigner, for that matter.

From March 2025, if you fly into Puerto Vallarta International (PVI), you’ll have to show proof of online payment of the new tourist tax or pay it on the spot to be let in.

The payment system will be set up shortly after the measure is implemented next month, and the fee is around $7 or the equivalent in Mexican pesos.

You can pay it in cash (either U.S. dollars or pesos), or with a credit or debit card.

The same will apply to those arriving by cruise ship, as checkpoints will be set up at the main cruise port to ensure tourists comply. So, if you want to get through immigration smoothly, make sure you have a few dollar bills handy.

Aruba

In maintaining its taxation policy of the previous year, Aruba will keep requiring that U.S. passport holders pay a $20 ‘sustainability fee’ when traveling to the sun-drenched island.

If you dream of swimming off its turquoise coast, in the warm Caribbean Sea, and marvel at gracious pink flamingos as they parade down virgin-white sands, there’s just no getting around paying it:

In order to enter Aruba, you must present a completed Online Embarkation/Disembarkation Card (ED Card) upon boarding, and the only way to submit this form is paying the sustainability fee at the end.

As the Aruba Government has noted, at this moment, only credit cards are accepted, so make sure you have a valid one with enough credit.

Unless you have submitted your personal and travel information prior to boarding, you may not be allowed to travel to Aruba, so it’s paramount you do so in advance––and preferably not in the hours leading up to your departure.

London, England

The most expensive fee on this list yet, London has decided that, henceforth, all visa-exempt travelers must apply (and pay £18) for an Electronic Travel Authorization in order to enter.

This one you can’t pay with cash on arrival, though.

More than a tourist tax, the U.K. ETA functions essentially as a digital visa, and unless you can present it upon check-in, you won’t be allowed to board your London flight from America.

The application process is pretty straightforward, but it requires time:

You must download the ETA app, create an account, submit the required documentation, such as a photo of your passport and a selfie, and answer a series of security questions.

Once the form is fully completed, you’ll be asked to provide your credit card details to cover the (roughly) $23 fee when converted to U.S. dollars. You should expect a response from British authorities in up to 3 working days.

That’s why it’s important to get it early, as you don’t want to be grounded at check-in as your ETA hasn’t yet been issued.

The good news?

Well, at least it’s valid for 2 years, and you can use it as many times as you want within that timeframe, so long as every visit to London (and any other U.K. destination) does not exceed six months at a time.

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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Lisbon is one of the world’s most sought-after digital nomad destinations, owing to its pleasant weather, rich culture, and thriving expat scene. However, there’s no denying that there’s growing animosity among locals toward foreigners.

Reports that Lisbon natives are fed up with digital nomads—–which they perceive to have strongly contributed to the worsening housing crisis—–have been around since at least 2023, and things have certainly not improved since then.

The Portuguese capital is experiencing some ‘nomad fatigue,’ yet not all hope is lost for Portugal-bound remote workers.

Albufeira is a sunny city in the subtropical Algarve, in the country’s extreme south, where the sun is (almost) always shining, and the cost of living is lower, and it’s poised to become the ‘next Lisbon’:

From Quaint Fishing Village To Lively Coastal Resort

Formerly a fishing village that’s slowly become a leisure destination over recent decades, following a spike in demand from European vacationers (particularly Brits), Albufeira ticks all the boxes as it pertains to a summer getaway:

It is centered around a picture-perfect, whitewashed historic center, where cobbled streets are bordered by locally run eateries and quirky art galleries. Not to mention, it straddles a busy sand strip, hugging an azure Atlantic and packed with bars.

Picture Albufeira as your average laid-back coastal resort with an unusually high concentration of nightclubs:

It’s not precisely metropolitan by global standards, yet it’s certainly among Portugal’s liveliest places to be in 2025.

Tourists often flock here for the social scene and affordable package holiday deals, with five-star resorts on the beachfront offering overnight rates from only $154. But what of digital nomads and their own basic requirements?

What Can Albufeira Offer Nomads?

We’re not sure about you, but as digital nomads ourselves, we’re looking primarily for 5 characteristics when selecting our next home base, however temporary:

• The attitude towards foreigners has to be friendly
• Safety levels must be high
• Prices must be cheaper than at home
• It would help if it is usually warm, as opposed to cold for most of the year

We’re glad to report Albufeira satisfies all those criteria and then some.

We won’t lie and say it is as vibrant or with a cultural offer as vast as Lisbon’s or Porto’s. However, it does appeal to the kind of nomad who’s mostly looking for a peaceful little corner to chill, go for leisurely strolls down by the promenade in between work, and not overspend.

Albufeira has consistently not featured on lists of cities where anti-tourism or anti-nomad protests have been staged in recent years, and regardless of the nonchalant approach towards non-locals, it’s not like that makes you feel unwelcome.

In Europe these days, you can count yourself lucky if residents are just indifferent to your presence.

As it pertains to safety, crime levels are incredibly low in Albufeira, with 9.47 crimes for every 100,000 inhabitant, as reported by The Portugal News, and that’s largely consisting of pickpocketing and other forms of non-violent, petty crime.

If you’re worried about the rising religious extremism across the pond, and knife attacks in broad daylight, you should know Portugal is much safer in general than England, France, Germany and the like, and that includes Albufeira.

Albufeira Offers A Lower Cost Of Living

According to Numbeo, a trustworthy source for assessing living costs across different destinations, a meal in Albufeira costs on average $12.19––we’re talking a generous seafood platter or a francesinha (a Portuguese roast sandwich), paired with inexpensive beer.

If you feel like treating yourself on the weekend, and maybe your better half or summer fling, a three-course for two in a mid-range restaurant will still only set you back by $49.12.

Rent is where you might feel the pinch a little, and even then, we’d argue you can get a much better deal in Albufeira than most major cities back in the U.S. or Canada, like New York or Toronto, where you’ll be paying upwards of $1,500 for a tiny matchbox apartment outside the Downtown area.

Albufeira doesn’t have the cheapest rent in Portugal, nor the Algarve for that matter––still, you can get an entire apartment with ocean views and pool access from $1,008-a-month on Airbnb.

Last but certainly not least, there’s that glorious Algarve weather to take into account:

The sun shines unobstructed for over 300 days in a single calendar year, and whether you’re staying in Albufeira in the dead of winter or the peak of summer, chances are you won’t need to unpack the raincoat you brought ‘just in case’.

There are differences in temperature, of course, as it’s way warmer from mid-April through September, but even right now, it’s a tolerable 64.4°F out.

Americans Can Stay In Portugal Visa-Free For 3 Months

Portugal has been issuing Digital Nomad Visas for some time now, aiming to provide remote workers with a facilitated immigration route into the country if they can prove they meet a certain financial threshold, and don’t have a criminal record.

In 2025, the sum equals roughly €3,280 per month, or around US$3,442.

This doesn’t mean you can just fly to Portugal and set up residence if you fulfill these prerequisites: you’ll need to complete the official application form, get in touch with the nearest Portuguese Consulate to schedule an interview, and gather the necessary documentation.

If getting a visa sounds too much of a hassle, as you don’t plan to relocate anywhere indefinitely, you should know you can stay in Portugal as a short-term visitor for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period as a U.S. or Canada passport holder, no visas are needed.

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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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.

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Lining the coast of America’s most oddly-shaped state are 4 secret resort towns surely to peeve gatekeepers as I shine a spotlight on where locals go for a tranquil vacation without elbow-to-elbow crowds.

You might think you know Florida end to end as the “Sunshine State” is always reliable for a sunny beach getaway, but there’s still a handful of places to kick back and relax in luxury, including a brand new resort in a town you’ve likely never heard of before.

While most vacationers are scoping out quintessential Spring Break hotspots such as Panama City, Daytona Beach, and Miami (although, local authorities are cracking down on shenanigans), why follow the crowd when you can sprawl out starfish-style in paradise and best of all, you don’t have to wake up early to reserve a poolside lounger?

Kind of a jerk move anyway, no?

Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie is easier to reach than ever before lying between Palm Beach and up-and-coming Vero Beach, becoming a hotspot for budget flights with their very own Breeze Airways-anchored airport.

Home to multiple islands in arms reach that are more popular than Port St. Lucie itself, the beachside of town along the ‘Treasure Coast’ is breathtakingly beautiful, boasting conveniently spaced-out resorts like Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, a far cry from Florida’s household name destinations.

But, Port St. Lucie also holds a secret all-inclusive resort too often overlooked since it’s not technically a beach resort per se.

Formerly Club Med, the 4-star Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive Resort is nestled riverside along the St. Lucie River.

While you’ll have to skip it as a spring getaway, this resort is coming back bigger and better than ever after an extensive glow-up set to wrap up later this year.

Punta Gorda

While popular budget airline Spirit has found itself to be the butt of many jokes in 2025 due to well-documented bankruptcy filings, its competitors have made wise investments to expand their portfolio.

Allegiant Airlines not only hosts one of the coolest NFL stadiums, but also designed their very own resort in their growing Florida hub of Punta Gorda, an easy gateway to some of Florida’s top-rated beaches like Siesta Key, Clearwater, and one of my favorites, lesser-known Nokomis.

As Punta Gorda’s only resort as of now, highly-anticipated Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is open and receiving rave reviews from guests who have been delighted by this surprising waterfront escape with epic sunsets over the harbor.

While Punta Gorda isn’t a beach town, it’s certainly a worthwhile resort destination. Once you see either of the two pools, one with ground-level harbor views and the other on the rooftop, you’ll understand the hype of this place.

Duck Key

We all know Key West, but you don’t have to venture all the way down when there’s an itty bitty resort town tucked away along the famous Overseas Highway.

Duck Key features 4-star Hawks Cay Resort, which has been around for decades yet remained relatively hush-hush.

Not to show up Sunseeker, but Hawks Cay boasts 5 pools on site! Better yet, they have Tiki Beach, a great spot for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and encountering wild dolphins and sea turtles.

Truth be told, that’s about all there is to Duck Key unless you’re into deep-sea fishing excursions. Speaking of fresh catches, don’t skip Angler & Ale at the resort for a variety of seafood dishes and scenic views from the patio.

Brooksville

“Brooksville? Where is that?”, you might be thinking, and I wondered the same thing. It’s located inland roughly an hour north of Tampa and their local economy just hit the jackpot with the grand opening of Cabot Citrus Farms, the company’s first venture on U.S. soil.

While primarily seen as a golf resort with 57 holes to exaggerate your handicap, there are posh amenities and activities that suit everyone.

For example, there’s axe throwing, bass fishing, and archery to name a few. Overall, the mission of Cabot Citrus Farms is to provide a serene escape in nature, which is why they describe their resort as a ‘walking village’ with ample nature trails.

You can’t beat the accommodations either. Not only is this unique Florida resort to escape the crowds, but guests can choose between very spacious 2-bedroom to 4-bedroom cottages.

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

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.

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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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.

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Last Updated 2 days ago

What is Texas like? It depends on who you ask. In all likelihood, you won’t find many people raving about their beaches.

There’s an exception to every rule, though, as the ‘Cancun of Texas‘ is one of the Lone Star State’s best coastal escapes.

But anything beats Galveston, right?

Well, what if I told you Texas’ image as a land of rootin’ tootin’ cowboy-shootin’ is largely hogwash?

In reality, Texas offers a diverse range of experiences, including tranquil waterfront escapes with access to both gleaming lakes and the sprawling Gulf of Mexico…err, America?

In fact, when it comes to idyllic shores, this state is big enough for both of ’em – nostalgic lake towns and underrated beach retreats.

Not only is Texas home to its own ‘Cancun’, but also its own ‘Maldives‘ tucked away outside of Austin.

With an assist from Southern Living, here are 3 sunny Texas lake towns for relaxing resorts and nostalgic vibes:

Conroe: Houston’s Close-By Lake Hideaway

Since Houston is experiencing record numbers of tourists, locals may find themselves escaping the crowds to Conroe, a quiet, old-timey lake town ‘down yonder’.

While not everyone finds their inner Zen in fishing, that’s largely Conroe’s claim to fame, but there’s a lot more to experience here than reeling in Largemouth bass.

But enough about my ex.

Wandering downtown is a must for an afternoon of shopping and indulging in Southern comfort foods.

Conroe is a small, vibrant town oozing charm and character along the main strip of Mom & Pop eateries like top-rated Honor Cafe, numerous antique shops, and locals’ favorite watering hole, Red Brick Tavern.

For the ultimate hidden gem, though, you gotta visit Southern Star Brewing Company, set on 13 secluded acres.

Truth be told, you don’t have to leave the handful of lakeside resorts to unwind as delightful as downtown Conroe may be.

Lake Conroe is home to multiple relaxing stays, including a name we all know and love for waterfront vacations.

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe anchors the region with fun activities for the whole fam, but obviously more so for adults with a signature cocktail in hand.

Following Margaritaville’s lead, there’s also:

• Holiday Inn Club Vacations Piney Shores Resort at Lake Conroe
• The Landing At Seven Coves
• Villas On The Lake

Horseshoe Bay: The South’s Most Underrated Lake Town

Ever heard of Horseshoe Bay? Perhaps you have, but it’s not the stunning vivid waters of Bermuda’s version that comes to mind.

Horseshoe Bay, Texas lies on the edge of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, although a name change might be due once the JFK Files are released – yikes!

For now, Horseshoe Bay is a peaceful retreat home to a lavish 4-star resort overlooking Lake LBJ, the perfect setting for a kayaking, paddleboarding, and capping off the day with a sunset cruise.

Horseshoe Bay Resort holds thousands of rave reviews from guests, where one recently claimed, “My stay was wonderful from check in to check out. Every single employee I encountered was lovely and willing to help. The food at J’s Restaurant was great including the breakfast buffet”.

For nostalgic vibes, visit the next notable town, Marble Falls. 

Their claim to fame is that there’s so much to see that you’ll enjoy a walkable weekend without a need for a car.

Canyon Lake: Welcome To The “Maldives Of Texas”

Did you know New Braunfels was crowned the best destination in Texas?

While it’s become a destination city in its own right home to charming streets, trendy wine bars, the vibrant blue Guadalupe River, and the most popular gas station on Earth, it’s nearby Canyon Lake that’s been hyped as the “Maldives of Texas“.

Before diving in to Canyon Lake’s Maldives-esque beauty, one place you have to visit is Gruene, the historic district within New Braunfels but feels like it’s own town.

Pronounced “Green”, this itsy bitsy blip on the map is a snapshot of Old Texas. From general stores to riverside eats, it’s a must-visit before hitting up the crystal clear waters of Canyon Lake, which went viral on social media for its surprising pristine conditions smack dab in the middle of Texas.

While not the actual Maldives, the beaches are remarkable for a lake for sunbathing, picnicking, and even stargazing at night.

Kayaking is very popular as well, and there are numerous resorts and condos for rent offering sweeping views, but none better than Canyon Lakeview Resort.

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

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.