Archives March 2025

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Winding navigable canals, picturesque fondamenti lined with pastel-hue buildings, and impossibly narrow alleys that lead to hidden piazzas with ornate fountains… there’s many a reason why you should visit the floating city of Venice.

At the same time, there are many why you should avoid it altogether:

Think of the jaw-dropping prices, with hotels in the historic center averaging $251 a night, or the overcrowding––and by that, we mean you simply can’t walk around the historic center without brushing shoulders with strangers.

That’s without factoring in the blatant anti-tourism policies, from the restriction of short-term rentals, to the introduction of a new ticketing system for day trippers.

Fortunately for crowd-wary, budget-conscious travelers, there’s a lesser-known Venice dupe all the way out west in Portugal, also traversed by a grand canal and famous for its richly-decorated gondolas:

Did You Know There Even Is A Portuguese Venice?

Aveiro boasts a high concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, skinny edifices draped in colorful tiles, and magnificent Baroque churches, but then again, this could be used to describe any other Portuguese city.

Its distinctive feature is the fact that it’s built on a lagoon, connected to the Atlantic Ocean by means of passing waterways, and it’s essentially born out of seaweed harvesting:

As the settlement grew over the centuries, and Aveiro’s exports grew bigger, a number of water-filled passageways were constructed to provide workers with easier access, from their place of residence to the harvesting hotspots.

These manmade canals are precisely why Aveiro is known as the ‘Portuguese Venice‘.

How Do Aveiro And Venice Compare?

Now, we won’t lie to you and tell you that’s a perfect comparison: there’s truly no other city like Venice in the world, built on a sheltered lagoon over oak-pile reinforced swamp isles and absent of streets and wheeled traffic.

Aveiro has navigable canals, but traffic runs alongside them, and unlike Venice, which has too many of those to count, its Portuguese equivalent has three main waterways.

Though they are not as numerous, but one could argue they’re equally scenic, especially with the colorful barcos moliceiros, the Portuguese gondolas, that travel around them––you can even take a canal tour for as cheap as $15.94.

Shall we remind you again how much those will cost you in the actual Venice?

Additionally, Aveiro rarely ever feels crowded, except for a handful of peak summer days, and even then, most of the visitors hail from other parts of Portugal or just neighboring Spain:

It’s yet to catch the gaze of most prying Instagrammers who are looking for the next European hidden gem or guided tour.

Other than charming canals and a timeless townscape, Aveiro is popular for its landmark cathedral, featuring a whitewashed bell tower, and delicious cuisine:

Great Food At Cheap Prices

It is the birthplace of ovos moles, a well-loved Portuguese sweet treat rivaling the world-renowned pastel de nata, made with pure egg yolks and sugar only––if you’re asking us, the best ones are served at this bakery called M1882, open e very day except Sunday.

Unless you’re vegan, make sure you add Tasquinha do Leitao to your list of restaurants to check out: they have the best roasted suckling pigs in town, presented with orange slices, and prices are more than reasonable.

Expect to pay around $14-16 for a main dish and a glass of local wine.

For sea beam and the signature Portuguese salted codfish bathed in olive oil and accompanied with baby potatoes, Necas’ House is the place to go, and if seafood’s the way to your heart, you can’t leave Aveiro without sampling some of Palhuça’s market-sourced squid and prawns.

Where To Stay In Aveiro This Spring

Looking for somewhere to stay in the heart of the Old Town, within walking distance to both the canal front and the train station?

The aptly named Veneza Hotel has nightly rates starting from an acceptable $72 this April, and in case you don’t mind splurging a little—if $104-a-night can even be considered a splurge at all—the 4-star, canal-lining Hotel Aveiro Palace is centrally located near all the best restaurants and photo spots.

It’s also a 10-minute drive from Barra and Costa Nova, two sandy beaches on the Atlantic that Aveiro locals commonly escape to in the balmy Portuguese spring.

The cheapest listing, however, is a 3-star economy room at Hotel Imperial, that should set you back by an almost-negligible $47 per night––no prepayment needed, free cancellation, and with an option to add breakfast for only $8 more on Booking.com.

Bottomline

On average, a weekend trip to Aveiro will run you up $316 as a solo traveler, as per Budget Your Trip estimates, placing it in the mid-range to cheap bracket.

For comparison, the same website indicates that a three-night stint in Venice is an eye-watering $869, and we’re inclined to believe them, based on hotel rates alone and the price of food, museums, and sightseeing tours.

Naturally, prices can widely vary depending on your profile as a traveler, but there’s no denying Aveiro is a much-better bargain than its famous Italian sister.

The closest airport to Aveiro is Porto International (OPO), some 41 miles north, hosting flights from Newark (EWR) and Boston (BOS).

From Porto, there are multiple train and bus connections to Aveiro daily, for as cheap as $7 one-way.

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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As Portland has become a trendy hotspot in recent years, the rest of Maine is essentially the last frontier of the East Coast.

Maine tourists don’t typically venture beyond Portland, with the exception of Acadia, one of America’s prettiest National Parks.

But there’s so much more to explore away from the charismatic brick roads winding through the Old Port, ample blue-water beaches, and endless lobster vendors of Portland.

Maine’s small towns are truly delightful, and one of the best is often overlooked, even though many roadtrippers pass through on the way to Portland.

Just across the New Hampshire-Maine border lies the state’s oldest city, dating back to the 1600s, over a century before America was, well, America and the Gulf of Mexico was still…

Ahh, never mind.

Not only is this hidden gem still exuding the charm of a bygone era, standing the test of time, but it beholds numerous secret islands and a treasure trove of maritime history and coastal charm waiting to be (re)discovered.

Welcome To Kittery, Maine: The East Coast’s Best Kept Secret

Ever heard of Kittery? Unless you’re from the region, likely, you haven’t. With Portland hogging Maine’s travel scene, it’s completely understandable.

But Kittery has existed for hundreds of years, and gatekeepers have done a phenomenal job of remaining tight-lipped about one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets.

Being a town of only 10,000 residents, there’s no commercial airport here, but there is in neighboring Portsmouth, New Hampshire, another charming coastal town in its own right with connecting flights from budget airlines, Breeze and Allegiant, from popular hubs such as Orlando (MCO).

Otherwise, Boston International Airport (BOS) is only an hour away and has a lot more options.

Kittery has a fascinating timeline spanning centuries from formerly being named Amiciskeag by Native Americans years before tribes engaged in armed conflicts with French and English settlers for rights to the land, and we all know how that ultimately turned out…

Furthermore, what may seem like a tall tale is actually true. Pirates (yes, real-life pirates!) like infamous Blackbeard, once traversed Kittery’s isles, so you may want to bring a metal detector along as there have long been rumors of lost treasure left behind.

As Kittery stands today, you can’t help but notice the aesthetics of seafarer charm and the palpable sense of history throughout town, with sites like Fort McClary, a military fort used as far back as the Revolutionary War.

But even with all the historical significance, don’t expect Kittery to be a boring glimpse into the past.

Downtown (a.k.a. Kittery Foreside) has been transformed with quirky artisan shops, upscale cafes serving craft coffee concoctions, and a surging food scene leaving one travel guide to essentially describe Kittery as a mini Brooklyn.

Kittery’s Secret Islands: Barbecue, Beaches, And Waterfront Stays

Some islands of Kittery’s scenic shorelines are off-limits for tourism hence the secret. The good news is there’s plenty of islands nobody ever seems to talk about that make for awesome spring and summer getaways.

Let’s start with Gerrish Island. Visit Fort Foster Park for only $25, another historical site, but this one boasts small tranquil beaches and sweeping coastal scenery, including quintessential lighthouses.

Your best bet for the full Gerrish Island experience is to book a vacation rental on Vrbo or Airbnb since public access is closed (except for Fort Foster).

Next up is the Isle of Shoals, a series of islands spanning across state lines but featuring fun-to-say Smuttynose Island and Appledore Island on the Maine side of the dividing line.

To get here, though, you’ll need to cross over to Portsmouth and hob aboard a boat from Isle of Shoals Steamboat Company.

Unfortunately, they leave us hanging with the dreaded “coming soon” message on their calendar, but as the weather gets warmer, it’s all but certain they’ll restart service sooner rather than later.

Here is where I said you might want to bring a metal detector ,as these are pirates’ old stomping grounds,

Circling back toward town, there’s a pair of islands worth visiting: Badger Island (Maine) and New Castle (New Hampshire).

Badger is connected by bridge, so you can drive here, and boasts great eats like local favorite Ore Nell’s Barbecue served ‘Central Texas style’, while New Castle offers a great selection of waterfront hotels like Wentworth by the Sea with rave reviews claiming it’s a ‘charming historic hotel with a water view’ and has ‘lovely clean rooms antique style’.

Cheaper Than Portland

Maybe I’m in an exclusive club, but when I visited Portland, I was sticker-shocked by hotel prices. In fact, it’s the only city I’ve chosen to stay in a Motel 6 to save money.

Worst of all, they didn’t leave the light on for me! What a sham!

Portland has become so trendy, there’s no way I’m the only one noticing the city’s high prices whether it be top-rated lobster rolls or hotel rooms.

Travelers don’t have to worry about that in Kittery. In fact, one of its claims to fame, besides being Maine’s oldest city, is its shopping.

East Coast residents from all over make day trips to shop ’til they drop at the Kittery Outlets. Affordable prices don’t stop there, though.

Stay at the revamped Kittery Inn & Suites for just $64 this spring or The Water Street Inn, holding a perfect 5.0 Google rating, for $128.

Last but not least, it’s a must to have lobster, right? Dave’s Maine Cafe has lobster rolls for just $18!

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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If you thought ranches and rodeos were the only place for cattle herds, you haven’t been to an airport!

There’s no doubt TSA agents have a tough job keeping travelers safe, and it’s easy to see all the potential threats they deal with daily, from questionable liquids to sharp objects and always that one traveler who forgets to pack deodorant.

But on the receiving end, it’s a frustrating ordeal being moved like livestock in tight spaces where every airport seems to have different rules, which can add precious time to getting to your gate.

Plus, just when you think you’ve struck gold with a TSA PreCheck emblem on your boarding pass, somehow the PreCheck line always seems to be longer than the standard line of normies.

Security checkpoints and the boarding process may be the most annoying parts of travel, and a busy spring season surely won’t change that, but the TSA just issued a new travel alert urging travelers to follow 4 essential tips to make your experience at airports as seamless as possible.

Pack Wisely And Think Ahead

We’ve all been behind that one person who seems like they’ve never traveled before. Oh, that’s me. Sorry.

Despite having traveled to nearly 40 countries, that should speak volumes about how unorganized each airport around the world can be.

Well, with the exception of Oman – that place is spotless and a well-oiled machine!

But here in the U.S., it’s a fustercluck come spring, followed by summer. No matter how many places I go, it’s always a guessing game if liquids and electronics need to be removed and if I remember to take off my metal-clasped bracelet that always sets off that stupid machine.

TSA is asking travelers to meticulously organize their carry-ons for when these situations arise. This means having your liquids and electronics accessible so as not to hold up the line.

Sorry, guys. I’ll be better.

Furthermore, you can text or tweet (is that still a thing?) TSA with any questions regarding compliance.

Text: 275-872
X: @AskTSA

Arrive Early: Don’t Believe The ‘Airport Theory’

Just like we’ve all been behind people like me in airport lines, we’ve surely also tested fate by arriving way too close for comfort, ultimately missing our flight entirely or making it by the skin of our teeth.

TSA is urging travelers to arrive early and not take part in the current TikTok ‘airport theory’ which tests if you really need to arrive the suggested 2 hours before flight departure.

Newsflash: it doesn’t work!

As spring is one of the busiest times of year, it’s best to face the music and arrive early to ensure you make the vacation you’ve been waiting for all winter.

TSA considers spring’s peak season March 6 – 24, so if your trip falls in this window, expect crowds.

Last Call For REAL IDs!

The time has finally arrived. REAL IDs will be required for all flights this spring with few exceptions.

The goalpost has been pushed back until May 7, 2025 when TSA will be enforcing the new requirement to board flights.

While nobody wants to visit the DMV, nobody wants to miss their flight either over something so simple.

Every passenger aged 18 and over must show a valid ID or U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.

There are some other options to bypass the new REAL ID requirements. For example, I don’t need one since I have a SENTRI card.

To view a full list of exemptions, click here.

A Little Patience Goes A Long Way

As frustrating as airports can be, try to remember TSA agents are human like you and me and are simply doing their job to keep us all safe.

While certain tactics and rules may seem over the top, it’s for our own good whether we like it in the moment or not.

The truth is if you’re an avid traveler this spring, you’re going to experience some airport headaches, so it’s best to simply embrace it’s going to happen.

A little patience goes a long way and helps keep the security process running smoothly. And just know it’s illegal to harass and impede the work of federal employees, including TSA.

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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I’m a huge fan of low-cost airlines.

Ultra-low-cost carriers may not offer any frills, but they do give us the opportunity to explore new destinations on a very tight budget.

Frontier has demonstrated this perfectly this week by offering flights on its newest routes for as little as $29!  

Frontier is officially the fastest-growing airline in Atlanta thanks to a huge expansion that has seen departures increase from the hub by 40% year on year.  

Much more interestingly, this means that they’ve added new flights to new destinations from Atlanta. And these two overseas hotspots stand out from the crowd.  

New Flight From Atlanta to Aruba 

From May 24, Frontier will introduce a new weekly service from Atlanta to Oranjestad in Aruba. This will operate every Saturday throughout the summer months.  

The advertised rates for this route are ‘from $69’ each way, so how much will flights really cost?  

The cost of a return, nonstop flight for one traveler flying on June 14 and returning on June 21 is $309.

This is for a basic fare ticket which doesn’t include a carry on bag, checked bag, or the option to choose your own seat.  

If you want to add these extras then, as is the case with most low-cost airlines, these will be subject to an extra charge.  

Why Visit Aruba?  

There’s so much to love about Aruba. It is famed for its stunningly beautiful beaches, abundance of water sports, hiking in Arikok National Park, and laid-back vibes.  

Oranjestad is the main arrival point for visitors to Aruba, but its more than just a transport hub, it’s well worth exploring in its own right.

The city is famed for its brightly colored Dutch architecture and is a cultural melting pot of delicious foods and fun nightlife.  

It’s worth noting that Oranjestad is Aruba’s largest city as well as the main port of the island, so don’t be surprised to find that the streets are almost always busy and bustling with tourists.  

Want to get away to somewhere a little quieter? Head to the island’s western coast where the waters are warm and calm, but you’ll find fewer tourists here. Rodger’s Beach and Druif Beach are considered the two best beaches on this side of the island.  

New Flight From Atlanta to Honduras
 

From June 12, Frontier will add a new flight from Atlanta to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to its schedule.  

This flight will operate three times a week, giving you more flexibility with the duration of your vacation. Frontier is advertising rates starting ‘from $59’ on this route.  

The cost of a return, nonstop flight for one traveler flying on June 17 and returning on June 24 is currently $243.  

Like the flight to Aruba, this is based on a basic fare ticket, but it’s worth noting that if you do want to take a carry on bag and to have the ability to choose your own seat then you can upgrade to the Economy Bundle for an additional $58. This includes carry on luggage and seat selection, but doesn’t include hold luggage.  

Why Visit San Pedro Sula?  

San Pedro Sula is located in the North of Honduas and is considered one of the country’s main transport hubs, acting a gateway to more obvious tourist attractions.

From here Copan, the Caribbean Coast, and the Bay Islands are all easily accessible.  

One of the closest beaches to San Pedro Sula and one of the best spots for travelers is the vast sands of Tela. Tela is famed for boasting the best beaches in Honduras and is an incredible scuba diving destination.  

Other attractions in Tela include the Lancetilla Botanical Garden, which is home to rare plant species from around the world, and the protected Punta Sal National Park, which is home to mangroves and coral reefs.  

While there’s so much to see and do, Tela is a great place to relax and unwind.

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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Despite being able to zoom through the skies at breakneck speed, slow travel is making a comeback.

And by ‘slow travel’, of course I mean trains.

Taking a page out of Europe’s and Asia’s playbook, the U.S. has been teasing more train routes and bullet trains for years, but even the train routes already in place are often overlooked in favor of taking a faster, more convenient flight rather than snagging a ground-level window seat to enjoy the journey.

Obviously, the most notable name in America’s train industry is Amtrak. The most popular carrier for train travel released a list of their ‘most scenic routes’ and this West Coast adventure takes the cake for the most beautiful train ride in the U.S.

The Coast Starlight: An Epic Journey From Seattle To L.A.

If you’re an indecisive traveler like me, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route is the answer to your made-up travel problems.

This 35-hour journey takes you through just about every major West Coast city, along with stunning natural landscapes in between ranging from cascading mountain ranges to breathtaking blue-water coastlines.

Before diving further, don’t let the 35-hour runtime deter you; you’re welcome to hop off at any point, as there are dozens of stops, or stay for the full trek and attempt what’s sure to be a “raw dogging” record.

With daily departures from Los Angeles to Seattle and vice versa, the Coast Starlight offers a balanced mix of urban delights and natural attractions as you’ll pass by lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and some of the most fun-filled cities this side of the country.

No matter if you begin your journey in L.A. or Seattle, it’s the in-between that will leave a lasting memory.

Whether it’s window seat views of Santa Barbara’s stunning shores or towering pines throughout the Pacific Northwest, the whole trip is an Instagram post waiting to happen.

The Coast Starlight’s Hidden Gems

You’ll certainly recognize all the major cities you’ll traverse, such as L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle, Amtrak also highlights a pair of hidden gems as notable stopping points.

For outdoor adventurers, Klamath Falls, Oregon should top your list. This beautiful town is full of outdoor thrills from rafting tours, scenic biking trails, and of course, Crater Lake, one of America’s most postcard-worthy lakes.

The other hidden gem Amtrak mentions is California’s Central Coast hideaway, San Luis Obispo. This idyllic town is brimming with historic Missions, sprawling vineyards, and, according to HomeToGo, the top beach in America this spring.

But if you ask me, the real hidden gem is Paso Robles, California’s most underrated wine getaway that gives Napa a run for its money.

You Have To Check Out The Observation Car!

One huge benefit of train travel is avoiding being barked at by TSA. The hassle of airports is here to stay and as nice as the views are at cruising altitude, there’s an argument to be made that the experience of train rides is more fun and memorable.

With amenities like the Coast Starlight’s Observation Car, it’s like nothing you could experience on a plane with panoramic views of the world passing you by.

You’ll glide past rustic towns, iconic skylines, vast vineyards, and so much more that’s surely worth snagging a window seat whether it be in Coach or scoring a seat in the lounge.

Seating, Dining & Fares

Remember, the Coast Starlight route is hop-on hop-off, so you can divvy up the 35-hour journey as you see fit.

That’s an important question to ask yourself when booking your seat/accommodations. Obviously for shorter stints, you may want to go cheap with the lowest class, Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat.

Otherwise, more space is likely a priority.

Here is the full list of the Coast Starlight’s seating and accommodation options:

• Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat
• Superliner Roomette
• Superliner Bedroom
• Superliner Bedroom Suite
• Superliner Family Bedroom
• Superliner Accessible Bedroom

If you do plan on hitting up the beach, slopes, or mountain trails, Amtrak does allow bicycles, surfboards, and skis on board.

As for dining, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served and there is cafe service as well. For a full menu on long-distance trains, click here.

If you’re anything like me, you’re likely wondering what it costs before making the commitment. There are a variety of ways to book the Coast Starlight; one of which is by booking a rail pass, which covers aforementioned hop-on hop-off privileges.

Otherwise, you can simply go to Amtrak’s official website and search your desired destinations. In this case, if you were to fully commit for the full ride, you would enter Seattle to Los Angeles (or vice versa) or shorter routes, such as Portland to San Luis Obispo, for example.

Fares will vary depending on availability, season, and ticket class. Before booking, don’t forget to check out the latest promotions!

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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