Archives February 2025

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San Diego, Los Angeles, among other quintessential Orange County beaches may be what you envision when planning a Southern California vacation.

You’re not wrong.

However, what’s lost in the shadows of household names lies SoCal’s own “Napa,” teeming with grand Chateau-style wineries, stunning nature, small-town charm, and capped by a newly revamped resort with a fascinating timeline worthy of a 3-part Netflix docu-series.

This former celeb hotspot fizzled out in the hippie era of the 60s and 70s after initially opening in 1902, only to be taken over in the 80s by the Alive Polarity commune (ahem, a cult), followed by Calvary Chapel Bible College, then of course, a Covid shutdown we can all relate to, ultimately finding it’s current newfound glory as a reimagined luxe resort after an extensive remodel.

All in all, it was closed off to the public for 30 years, only to reopen with a bang in February 2024.

While it’s fun to dive into the past, the here-and-now Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is where it should have been all along – a tranquil hideaway roughly an hour from both LA and San Diego in the surging Riverside County town of Murrieta.

Whether you’re an overnight guest or opt for a $49 Day Pass, there’s no question this unsuspecting retreat with a serene setting of ample hot springs for leisure is the ultimate destination to kick back, relax, and recharge.

Warm Up, Cool Down, And Recharge

You don’t need me to tell you life is full of stresses, but Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is just the place to set your phone aside, focus on rest, and let your problems back home melt away.

Upon arriving, you’re welcomed by friendly, knowledgeable staff who genuinely seem to enjoy their job. That alone is refreshing, isn’t it?

You’re provided with a detailed map of the expansive property grounds, but the staff does a great job helping you understand what’s open at certain hours and the best route to take from your room.

Plus, you’re provided with waterproof wristbands serving as the key to your room and gated pool area, where you’ll be hanging out the most during your stay.

There’s a 24/7 unlimited towel and robe exchange simply by calling the front desk or swapping out garments at the labeled exchange station near the “Mud Cove”, where you’ll definitely need a new towel after lathering yourself in detoxifying “mud” like your auditioning for a Papua New Guinea tribe.

Every aspect of the resort encourages overall well-being from curated Sleep Guide packets in your room, a variety of massage treatments and calming activities like Aqua Sound Baths (my favorite), Aqua Yoga, and the Roman Spa, a spitting image of authentic European bathhouses; not to mention the adults-only panoramic sauna.

If you’ve been paying attention to the latest trends in healthy living, cold plunges are all the rage right now.

While certainly not a requirement, to max out health benefits from mental health to inflammation ailments, industry experts encourage alternating between hot and cold pools.

Start off by relaxing in one of the resort’s 20+ pools, then switch to a teeth-chattering cold plunge, and warm up again.

Each pool is marked by a temperature reading from that morning. My sweet spot was 102 degrees, but I saw measurements as high as 104.

Fun Fact: The resort can accommodate upwards of 1,100 guests, but occupancy is capped at 50% to ensure a relaxed atmosphere and prevent overcrowding.

Hot Tub Bloody Marys & Midnight Stargazing: Enjoy 24/7 Pool Access

The worst part about vacationing is some fellow travelers ruin all the fun. How often do you book a hotel with a nice pool only for it to close right after dinner?

That’s the case for most stays. Murrieta Hot Spring Resort is the antithesis to resort rigidity by trusting guests to conduct themselves respectfully.

While drinking is allowed in the pools, I’ve gotta say this was the quietest resort I’ve ever been to, even during peak hours.

The surprising part about that is this resort is very family-friendly, but there weren’t any loud, snot-nosed kiddos ruining our Zen.

Everyone seemed zoned in on all-day soaking in 100% natural geothermal waters, which explains the masses of Utah plates in the free parking lot – or perhaps the former “commune” housed here cast as lasting spell on all of us.

Kidding, of course. The springs were truly rejuvenating, even soothing a lingering foot injury.

My only conundrum was deciding between partaking in my comfortable bedroom’s Sleep Guide goodie bag of earplugs, protein snacks, and aromatherapy products or taking advantage of 24/7 pool access as an overnight guest – so, I did both.

The first night I slept like a rock, followed by late-night stargazing the next night, where I had endless choices of empty springs to soak in while gazing into the night sky.

While I didn’t see any alien-crafted drones, I did see 5 shooting stars; a really cool experience since Murrieta is tucked away just enough from light pollution.

Know Before You Go: Day Pass users are not permitted 24/7 access. The Spa is open daily 9am – 9pm, where Day Pass users have free range of Serenity Garden pools and receive a robe, towel, and storage locker.

Explore SoCal’s “Napa” With One-Of-A-Kind Wine Cave

Don’t sleep on Murrieta; there’s a lot to do for a soccer-Mom town. Albeit sometimes you may cross over into Temecula, Southern California’s version of the North’s Napa Valley.

Temecula is just a stone’s throw away, boasting immaculate landscapes cruising the backroads, especially at sunset.

For a nice evening out, I highly recommend checking out The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery.

Just as it sounds, you’ll be escorted into ‘SoCal’s only subterranean mined wine cave‘ for curated tastings (and/or dinner).

It’s a really unique atmosphere inside, but the patio steals the show with sweeping mountain views. Enjoy them best with a glass of velvety Syrah in hand.

There are numerous wine tours to book throughout the region, but a fun way to see the sites is by horseback riding at Susie Q Ranch, who work in tandem with Lorimar Vineyards & Winery for post-tasting rides and also offer lessons as young as 5 years old compared to competitors’ age 8 requirement.

Make sure you ask for Karen; she’s an incredibly insightful guide whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice like me, who doesn’t know the difference between a Seabiscuit and a seahorse.

You can also book a rustic, remodeled barn apartment onsite for overnight stays at Suzie Q’s, but you’ll need to contact them directly for more info.

Talia Kitchen: A Destination Unto Itself

Whether you’re a resort guest or not, Talia Kitchen alone is worth driving from anywhere in SoCal for an unforgettable meal.

For perspective, I recently traveled across France, wined and dined in the Algarve, splurged on Marrakesh’s finest tagines, but all it took was one bite at Talia Kitchen to send my tastebuds around the world.

Every dish was a masterclass of culinary precision, from sinful sumac-spiced fritters to pillowy scallops locally sourced (sadly, no longer offered).

Equally great was the service from rockstar waitress Isis to funny quips from the Chef who took time out of his busy shift to provide some off-menu delights just because.

Talia Kitchen may be housed at Murrieta Springs Hot Resort, but it’s a destination unto itself.

Here is what I recommend ordering:

• Bottle of Robert Renzoni (Tempranillo wine)
• Roasted Delicate Squash (appetizer)
• Prime Back Loin Center Cut Local Swordfish (entree)
• Caramelized Honey Panna Cotta (dessert)

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

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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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 6 mins ago

If you want to spend your spring break sunbathing on a stunning tropical beach, then Southwest has got you covered, especially if you live in or around Nashville!  

The airline has launched two brand new flights from Nashville to tropical beach destinations just in time for the start of spring. Both flights will launch on March 8 and are seasonal flights that won’t run in the winter months.  

The destinations?

You can now choose to fly from Nashville to either Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic or Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.  

Here’s everything you need to know about these new flight routes.  

Brand New Options From Nashville  

From March 8 2025 you can fly nonstop between Nashville and Punta Cana as well as Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos.

Initially, these nonstop flights will only operate on Saturdays, meaning that you will be able to take week-long vacations in the sun, but you can’t use these flights to plan shorter getaways.  

Southwest already offers a nonstop route from Nashville to Cancun, but these two new routes will give people in the area even more convenient options for their next international vacation.  

The all-important question when any new international service is launched is how much will it cost! Both of these flight routes are already available to book on the Southwest Airlines website.  

Firs,t I looked at the prices for a nonstop return flight from Nashville to Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos. These flights are from Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29, shortly after this new route launches.  

The outbound flight currently costs $582, and the inbound flight currently costs $543. Meaning the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,124, including taxes and fees.  

If you’d rather enjoy the complete relaxation offered by island life then I also looked at the price for tickets between Nashville and Punta Cana. This must be the more popular route because economy tickets were sold out for the March dates I looked at above.  

These prices are based on flights from Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, April 12. The outbound flight currently costs $454 and the inbound flight currently costs $632.

This means the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,086, including taxes and fees.  

The ticket prices for these two new flight routes are very similar, so ticket price needn’t be a factor in which destination you choose.  

It’s worth noting that these prices are based on a ‘Wanna Get Away’ ticket, which is the cheapest economy flight ticket offered by Southwest Airlines.

This ticket is non-refundable, and you will also have to pay extra to select your seats. But two bags are included for free with all Southwest tickets.   

Punta Cana or Los Cabos?  

If you’re an international globe trotter, then you might be able to visit Los Cabos and Punta Cana this year. But if you only have the time (and the cash!) to visit one of these destinations, which one is best for you?

Both destinations are tropical paradises with spectacular white sand beaches.  

But while the landscapes in Punta Cana are fringed with palm trees and tropical jungle, you’ll find desert views (and the dry desert climate to go with it) in Los Cabos.  

Both destinations are blessed with excellent all-inclusive resorts, but if you’re on a tight budget, you’re likely to find a wider range of budget accommodations and restaurants in Punta Cana than you will in Los Cabos.

Los Cabos is a famously luxurious and high-end destination, so this is a better option if you’re looking for opulence at any price.  

Looking to party the night away? Punta Cana should be your first choice. The nightlife here is incredibly vibrant. There are plenty of nightlife options and a lively party atmosphere in the town.  

By contrast, the nightlife in Los Cabos focuses on chic rooftop lounges and high-end restaurants. Both options are a lot of fun, but Punta Cana is better suited to a younger party-ready crowd.  

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 3 mins ago

If you’re planning on crossing the pond this spring or summer for a much-needed culture-infused sunny break, there’s one country in particular that should be at the top of your list.

According to Mabrian, a travel intelligence firm, Spain has already captured a whopping one-third of global travel demand for the region for 2025, with approximately 33% of Southern Europe-bound arrivals heading to this destination.

In Europe in general, it accounts for 12% of the rising demand, especially in the shoulder and low seasons, and that’s hardly a surprise: just check the (oddly-pleasant) weather for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria right now, in the middle of winter.

Spain as a whole is set for yet another record-breaking year in tourism, but if you’re wondering where travelers are being drawn to the most, these are the top 5 cities:

Palma de Mallorca

Capturing 4.1% of tourists landing in Southern Europe, Palma de Mallorca is the capital of its namesake Mallorca, an island worth visiting for the scenic callas lapped by turquoise waters and verdant hills strewn with rolling vineyards alone.

Gorgeous as all of Mallorca may be, with resort zones in Pollença and Alcudia drawing in big crowds, Palma is undoubtedly its crown jewel: dating back thousands of years, it has a rich amalgamation of Roman, Vandal, Moorish, and medieval-era landmarks.

Its magnificent cathedral, La Seu, or Cathedral of Santa Maria for English speakers, is the most easily recognized symbol of Palma’s skyline and perhaps the magnum opus of the Catalonian Gothic movement, with intricate rose windows and flying buttresses.

Just opposite the cathedral, Almudaina is a palace combining Islamic and Gothic elements, representative of Palma’s diverse breadth of architecture, whereas Castell de Bellver, sitting on a prominent hill with views of the city, is a uniquely circular-shaped, 14th-century castle.

If you’re looking for that hidden gem beachgoers are missing out on, the Arab Baths should definitely be on your bucket list: built in the 10th century by Mallorca’s at-the-time North African rulers, it has columned chambers and courtyards you’re free to wander through.

Alicante

Over in the Spanish mainland, with high-rises encroaching on a palm-lined, golden sand beach, Alicante is a vibrant resort city boasting year-round warmer temps––just so you know, they’re currently sitting at a pleasant 65 degrees right now in the dead of winter––and lower prices than average.

When you think that going to a tapas bar for patatas bravas and some sweet tinto de verano in a whitewashed Barrio de la Santa Cruz costs $15 or that you can book a room only a few steps away from the beach starts from $40, it’s hardly a surprise tourists are flocking in here.

More specifically, 4.4% of all Mediterranean arrivals, and among the pleasant surprises awaiting them in this offbeat Spanish gem, there’s Explanada de España, a long coastal walk paved with colorful, patterned mosaics, a hilltop, medieval Santa Barbara Castle, and a bustling Mercado Central:

The best spot in town for sampling fresh produce, sampling the seafood––the paella here is arguably up there with the best in the country––and browsing the local delicacies, this market is a sensory overload in the best possible way.

In desperate need of relaxation? Look no further than Postiguet, a postcard-ready beach at the foot of Santa Barbara Castle welcoming guests to crystal-clear seas, a wide range of amenities, and mid-range restaurants with terraces for sunset views.

The gemstone of Spain’s Costa Del Sol, a sun-drenched stretch of coast to the southeast of Spain, Malaga is a sprawling port combining resort city and open-air museum vibes, from the ruin-littered historic center, down to the parasol-sprinkled Malagueta beach.

As part of Andalusia, the hottest destination in Spain as a result of its geographical proximity to Africa, Malagueños and Malagueñas enjoy shorts weather for most of the calendar year, and chances are you won’t need to pack a raincoat irrespective of season.

Malaga’s greatest appeal, however, is its enviable collection of historical structures: for instance, there is a 1st-century Roman Theater built onto the side of a central elevation now dominated by an Islamic 11th-century fortress, the Alcazaba.

Then there is a nearby 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, occupying yet another hill that overlooks the urban maze that is Malaga and its azure seas, and let’s not forget Malaga’s iconic Plaza de Toros, an intact bullfighting ring that continues to host select events.

Albeit a fascinating cultural ensemble, Malaga’s hustle and bustle can get a tad much at times, especially with the summer crowds––it captures 6.4% of Southern Europe’s arrivals––so if you’re in need of a breather, head out to the verdant, waterfall-dotted Montes de Málaga Natural Park.

Barcelona

At the runner-up position, capturing a whopping 21.7% of all arrivals to Europe’s southern half, Barcelona is the quintessential Mediterranean getaway combining resort city vibes and Old World allure.

Its Barceloneta golden-sand strip, backed by high-rise condominiums and glass-and-steel skyscrapers, is a favorite among beachgoers, and for those who love history, the medieval Gothic Quarter is filled with picturesque alleys, plazas, and locally-run tapas bars.

Despite having an unlimited cultural offer, Barcelona’s pride and joy is undoubtedly its Gaudí heritage, best evidenced in the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Expressionist chef-d’oeuvre that is Casa Batlló, and the lush Park Güell, best known for its curvilinear shapes and bright colors.

Barcelona tends to get quite busy irrespective of season, so if you’re hoping to beat the crowds, you should leave the bustling streets of Eixample behind and head instead to an offbeat Gràcia, where you’ll find independent boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries.

Other attractions first-time visitors wouldn’t normally pay attention to include Refugi 307, a Spanish Civil War-era bomb shelter now housing a museum, the Roman Necropolis buried beneath Plaça Vila de Madrid, and the serene Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Barcelona’s oldest park featuring a maze.

Madrid

Leading with a 24% share, the capital of Spain is officially the number one destination in Southern Europe right now, and this, to some, might be surprising, considering it doesn’t sit on the coast.

Madrid doesn’t need Mediterranean beaches or palm-lined promenades to woo tourists, though: dubbed Iberian Paris, it is characterized by expansive, leafy boulevards flanked by Belle époque buildings, sprawling green zones, and a host of world-class museums.

The most visited of them all, Prado is home to masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and Raphael, and if you’re visiting Europe primarily for the magnificent architecture, exploring the area around the portico-bordered Plaza Mayor is a must.

Besides Madrid’s top landmarks, namely the aforementioned Prado, the richly-decorated Baroque Royal Palace, and Parque El Retiro, here are some unique, unexpected things to do in the city in 2025:

Escape the heat and go underground at Andén 0 (or Zero Platform), a historic metro station dating back to the early 20th century, still served by retro-style carriages, or take a leisurely stroll in Cementerio de la Almudena, probably one of Europe’s prettiest burial grounds, littered with ornate chapels and tombs.

Away from El Retiro’s crowds, Quinta de los Molinos is a much more peaceful park with wide avenues strewn with almond trees, and don’t forget Parque del Oeste, in Western Madrid: it will look it’s most beautiful in spring when the rose gardens are in full bloom.

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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Home to the ultra-popular resort destination that is Cancun, a plethora of ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant city breaks, Mexico is the number one country for Americans planning a trip abroad, but no trip south of the border is exactly risk-free.

As safe as Mexico may be in general, with very few travelers being affected by crime when vacationing on its Caribbean coast or bustling capital, there are more dangerous parts of the national territory it would be best to avoid altogether.

As customary every year, the U.S. State Department has updated the Mexico Travel Advisory, and a total of 6 states are now placed at Level 4––up from 4 since the last count.

In other words, Americans are being urged to refrain from traveling to these regions due to crime:

Colima

A small state straddling the Pacific coast of Mexico, Colima has never been a much sought-after destination for Americans, and now it may be a longer while until it regains whatever little prestige it used to have, following its inclusion on the State Dpt.’s Level 4 list.

It is best known for its namesake colonial-era capital, endless miles of golden sand beaches hugged by azure waters, and Manzanillo, a whitewashed resort town dubbed the ‘Mexican Santorini‘––though undoubtedly beautiful, the state is one of Mexico’s worst hotspots for crime.

According to U.S. authorities, most killings are ‘targeted assassinations’ involving gang members, but U.S. citizens have also been victims of kidnapping and other forms of violence.

The State Dpt. does not, however, that Downtown Manzanillo, which comprises both the hotel zone and port, is considered safer, and government employees themselves are not barred from visiting.

Guerrero

Similarly to Colima, Guerrero is a Pacific state that, ironically, is far from being ‘Pacific,’ having been dominated by rivaling gangs in recent decades.

Its main resort hub, Acapulco, used to be a prime destination for Hollywood stars in the 50s and 60s, and despite its efforts to regain the long-lost popularity––since then, Cabo’s taken up that mantle––it continues to struggle as crime levels worsen.

U.S. authorities warn Americans heading to this state that armed groups operate ‘independently of the government’ in many areas and have been known to enforce roadblocks, use coercion tactics, and even force against visitors.

There are no ‘exceptions’ in Guerrero, with travel discouraged to all tourist zones, including not only Acapulco but also Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.

Michoacan

Yet another beautiful state on the Pacific coast plagued by endemic violence, Michoacan had been rising in popularity as an off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers until being blacklisted by the State Dpt.

It is home to many indigenous groups, a diverse landscape comprising central highlands and unspoiled patches of coast, and its stately capital, Morelia is arguably one of Mexico’s most beautiful, with a UNESCO-protected historic center.

Sadly, Michoacan is not somewhere you should go unless you have a very compelling, strong reason to do so or you’re used to traveling to high-risk areas:

‘Crime and violence are widespread’, as reported by U.S. officials, and employees of the U.S. government are only allowed to travel into Michoacan by air, landing at Morelia Airport, or by using Federal Highways 43 or 48D, from Federal Highway 15D.

The beach town of Lazaro Cardenas is the only other destination left out of the blanket ban on travel, yet those who visit are expressly told to limit their activities to the center and port areas.

Sinaloa

The fourth Pacific state to feature here, Sinaloa, has been the epicenter of turf wars for many years, as countless criminal organizations base their operations there.

This hasn’t stopped major resorts like Mazatlan, Los Mochis, and Topolobampo from being added to cruise itineraries or favored by adventurous Americans who are eager to experience a more authentic side of Mexico beyond the glitz and glamor of Cancun, Cabo, and the like.

Indeed, Mazatlan seems to be relatively safe for tourists and the State Dpt. seems to echo that feeling, as it does not restrict its employees from traveling to the city’s well-frequented Zona Dorada and the picture-perfect colonial center.

We have reported extensively on Mazatlan as a destination, and based on feedback from our own readers, they have rarely felt unsafe or threatened in any way when vacationing there.

Nevertheless, traveling in the wider state of Sinaloa, especially in between municipalities, and further inland, is massively discouraged.

Tamaulipas

As it is a tiny Gulf state sharing a shot border with Texas, you may be thinking there’s not an awful lot to see and do in Tamaulipas anyway for its downgrading to Level 4 to be deemed a tragedy.

We’d beg to differ.

It lays claim to numerous well-preserved pre-Columbian archaeological zones, most notably the Huastec-era El Sabinito, distinguished by its overgrown pyramids and charming small towns yet to be spoiled by mass tourism and verdant preserves.

Tamaulipas’ nature is equally fascinating, from the waterfall-dotted jungle expanse that is El Cielo to the bustling Miramar Beach, a tried-and-true sunny getaway for Mexican locals… as you can see, there’s many a reason why this lesser-known state is worth a visit.

Regrettably, it is currently a no-go zone, with crime and kidnapping cited as main threats to the safety of visiting Americans.

The border zone is particularly dangerous, namely from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo, where local law enforcement is limited, whereas safety levels are higher in the ‘tri-city zone’: Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira.

Zacatecas

An unfortunate addition to the blacklist this year, Zacatecas is a historically-significant state in central Mexico best represented by its namesake capital, a pink sandstone city that traces its origins back to the 16th century.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising an ornate cathedral, a largely intact colonial core, with narrow streets lined with colorful facades, and a monumental Palacio de Gobierno Estatal, a Spanish-era edifice where the state government still convenes.

On the outskirts of town, the El Eden Mine is a colonial system of mines now housing guided tours––and even descending to its depths is a fun business, as it involves going on a bumpy, vertiginous mine-cart ride.

The main downside, of course, is that visiting Zacatecas is being discouraged by U.S. authorities at the minute, following reports that U.S. citizens have been subject to kidnapping and other forms of crime.

The city center of Zacatecas itself presents fewer dangers, but any travel outside the touristy zones, especially the suburbs and smaller towns in the vicinity, is advised against.

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 20 seconds ago

Long gone are the days when ensuring your passport in the bag was the main concern ahead of driving to the airport to catch that international flight:

In 2025, travel rules are either being enforced more strictly or tightening significantly, and before you ask, no, it’s got nothing to do with lab-originated pathogens.

Let’s leave that back in 2020-2021.

On the other hand, not many Americans may not know that presenting a valid passport at the border when landing in a foreign country is oftentimes not enough to grant you access to certain countries and territories.

In fact, depending on how you’ve handled your passport lately and what stamps have been added to it, you could be denied entry altogether.

So here are 5 important things you must check in your travel document before your next trip if you’re keen on avoiding being placed on a repatriation flight:

Never Get Souvenir Stamps

We get it, they’re cute collectibles, and they serve as a reminder of milestones we’ve reached in our travels, such as climbing Machu Picchu, the remote Incan highland town in Peru, or visiting the continent of Antarctica that isn’t claimed by any sovereign state.

In reality, however, these souvenir stamps that are regularly issued by tourism offices and have no practical validity can render your passport completely invalid.

As the U.S. State Department notes, getting your passport stamped in a celebratory way can be considered ‘damage’ to the document, as only border officers and other authorized officials of the U.S. and foreign countries can place visas or make notations or additions.

This is even stated on page five of all U.S. passports, something you can check for yourself if you’ve got yours handy.

Different countries enforce this rule with varying degrees of severity: for instance, there have been reports of travelers going around the globe with their souvenir stamps unnoticed, as well as cases where they were denied boarding and made to get a new passport.

To be on the safer side, it is best to just steer clear of them.

Handle Your Passport With Maximum Care

Passports are not merely booklets that can be twisted, folded, or handled with little to no care: the small gold camera logo at the bottom of the cover indicates there is a biometric chip inside, and it’s more susceptible to damage than you might think.

That’s where all your information is stored, and it’s how border agents will typically verify your identity and the authenticity of your document, so once that chip gets defective, the passport itself could be useless.

Additionally, any tears or imperfections on the cover or information page, however minor, could result in you getting repatriated––in other words, sent back home flying.

That’s the case in Bali, a popular tropical getaway for Americans, where border guards might refuse entry to newcomers unless their passport is ‘immaculate‘––in their own words, ‘normal wear and tear’, and even ‘minor tears or rips to the pages’ can be perceived as damage.

Check You Have Enough Months Left Of Validity

A common misconception among first-time travelers is that, as long as their passport will remain valid between the date of departure, and the date of return, they are good to go.

That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Traveling to Europe, authorities will expect you to present a travel document that’s not only yet to expire but that is valid for an additional 6 months following the date of entry.

This means that if you have a single month left of validity, and you plan on going to Italy for a week and back, chances are the airline itself won’t authorize your boarding, or if you do get an exception, you might get turned away at the border landing in the Old Continent.

Most countries worldwide enforce the 6-month rule, with rare exceptions like Mexico (the passport must be valid for the intended length of stay), or Chile (must expire after you leave the country, with no specific period length set), so it’s worth verifying entry rules at your destination in advance.

Make Sure You Have Enough Blank Pages!

This one’s for our fellow frequent travelers out there:

On top of handling your document with care and checking you have enough months left of validity on it, you should ensure there are enough blank pages for stamps.

Once your passport gets filled up, you may be refused entry on the grounds of not having available space for a stamp to be placed, even if the document is only expiring months or even years down the line.

Collecting stamps doesn’t seem all that fun now, does it?

In general, you should ensure you have at least one blank page left before traveling to allow for plenty of room, and that is if you’re only visiting one country.

That being said, in some instances, the requirement is even more restrictive, with some asking for 2, 3, or a whopping 6 blank pages––that would be Namibia for you, so if the offbeat African country is on your bucket list, now you know.

Get That Travel Authorization Before Flying

Last but certainly not least, entry rules are changing for a host of different destinations to which Americans have routinely been allowed to travel without previous restrictions.

As of January, they can no longer board flights to the United Kingdom without applying for the UK ETA (or Electronic Travel Authorization) in advance––read more here.

Soon enough, a similar requirement will be enforced by the European Union, encompassing much of mainland Europe: unless they are pre-screened before boarding and get a digital entry permit, Americans will no longer be able to board Europe-bound flights.

Luckily, the measure isn’t being enforced as of right now, though it’s coming soon enough.

It’s a complex world to navigate, and entry requirements and visa rules seem to be changing by the minute, so don’t forget to double-check them prior to booking that trip.

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.