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Medellin is still a thriving city among expats, digital nomads, and general travelers wanting to experience the hype, but there are certainly notable concerns about visiting.

First, prices aren’t what they used to be, as Medellin has far surpassed its ‘hidden gem’ status.

Second, crime may be a fickle topic, but it’s always on the back of minds for those who explore the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ with frequent muggings, scams, and other petty crimes.

Third, with such an uprise in foreigners, Medellin has lost its sense of realness. Travelers love visiting places that feel autentico.

The capital city of Bogota belongs in the mix as well, but on the flip side, there’s a lesser-known city that should all but deter you from visiting Colombia.

Super cheap, more authentic, and broadly considered safe to visit, Medellin’s top alternative may be the gorgeous city of Bucaramanga, set in the foothills of the vast Andes.

Experience Real Colombia In The ‘City Of Parks’

Colombia is more than a nation of monikers with the likes of ‘City of Eternal Spring’ and ‘City of Parks’, but at least you know what you’re signing up for when visiting.

In Bucaramanga’s case, as you can imagine, it’s great to enjoy the outdoors while surrounded by all the urban delights this underrated city brings.

Similar to Medellin, Bucaramanga is nestled in a bowl-like setting, backdropped by rolling hills and towering mountains that all but call you to get out and explore.

To entice you even more, Bucaramanga is home to Chicamocha National Park (a.k.a. “Panachi”), a highly rated park where you can hike amongst jaw-dropping canyons or ride the cable car for elevated views.

But really ‘City of Parks’ is more aligned with urban parks to get a sense of daily life here through sights, sounds, and flavors of the city.

Bosque Encantado Metropolitan Park and Morrorico Park both offer unmatched skyline views, while Santander Park is centrally located, making a great base to explore historic buildings, bustling empanada-laden markets, and great eats.

Start your day taking a stroll with world-renowned Colombian coffee in a city where you never know what weird and wonderful surprises you’ll stumble upon, such as giant ant sculptures fit for apple bottom jeans.

‘Boots with the fur’ might be a little much, though, in 80-degree temps throughout the year.

Bucaramanga Is Safer And Super Cheap

One could argue Bucaramanga is what Medellin used to be—a sunny, green, mountainous city oozing history, culture, and natural beauty. However, mainstream travelers don’t know about it because it’s overshadowed by the plethora of other household names.

While Medellin’s well-documented problems are their own to solve, Bucaramanga doesn’t have soaring prices and tourist scams – at least not yet.

According to International Living, Colombia’s mid-sized cities are the ultimate places to save some serious cash in your travels.

Bucaramanga has nearly 3 million fewer residents, but it still feels like a large city with timeless charm and an overall cultural ‘wow’ factor.

Dining out can be as cheap as you’d like, depending on whether you want a quick street meal or a high-end restaurant. For example, an authentic lunch with a drink included costs about $5 on average.

Hotels won’t break the bank either. Many boutique hotels cost under $30, while leveling up to 4 stars at such places as Hotel Internacional La Triada is just a smidge more; not to mention its great location near the magnificent Catedral de la Sagrada Familia and Santander Park.

Getting around is the cheapest of all by taking the Metrolinea at approximately 70 cents per ride.

Bucaramanga’s Digital Nomad Appeal

Just as Medellin was once just any ordinary city, it’s arguably more well known now as an expat/digital nomad haven, more so than in the wild times of Pablo Escobar’s reign.

Bucaramanga has everything digital nomads could want except an already thriving community of likeminded travelers.

But, that’s destined to change. With a buzzing cafe culture, easy-to-obtain digital nomad visa and affordable cost of living across the board, why not give Bucaramanga chance?

International Living also provided clearcut examples of why digital nomads will be enticed to move here:

• Healthcare – Monthly plans under $50
• Food – $5 for a nice lunch
• Transit – $0.70 bus rides, $3 taxis, and Uber is in service
• Utilities – Approximately $60 per month total for gas, water, and electricity
• Internet – $16

All in all, International Living estimates a monthly cost of living at $1070.

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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Iceland is no longer what it used to be – a faraway dreamland that nobody knows about. That’s not to say Iceland isn’t an amazing destination; it’s just no longer a secret.

What used to be an ideal place for all types of travelers, especially solo travelers seeking an adventure, now it’s a mainstream destination with prices through the roof.

Your first stop in Iceland is Keflavik, where in all likelihood, will be your springboard to reach the capital city, Reykjavik.

Here is where your jaw may hit the floor with hostels costing double, triple, or even quadruple, what other popular European destinations charge, meaning upscale lodging is even more of a punch in the gut.

Good news is a new travel hotspot has emerged as a result of higher travel expenses across the board and influx of travelers invading Europe’s most eye-popping country.

Formerly a top road trip destination, as Iceland’s ‘Ring Road’ is the ultimate bucket-list item, now the gorgeous town of Akureyri is making a name for itself all on its own as Iceland’s new tourism hotspot.

A Whole New Way To Reach Northern Iceland

Iceland is still a blast the old fashioned way. You know, renting a car, getting lost on roads you can’t pronounce and stopping at all the top sites, like the Blue Lagoon.

But…there’s a new way to experience Iceland, making the country more enticing to visit than ever before.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city, which isn’t saying much considering there are less than 400,000 residents in the entire country!

If you’ve been to Iceland, you probably flew Iceland Air or their flagship budget carrier, Play (formerly WOW Air).

Rather than take these airlines to Keflavik and spend hours on the road upon landing, there is another option to connect in England with a nonstop flight from easyJet straight into Akureyri.

Skip The Blue Lagoon And Embrace Northern Iceland

With 8.5 million travelers set to fly into Keflavik this summer, many have their sights set on one of Iceland’s top attractions – the famous Blue Lagoon.

What tourists may not know is showers are required before entering the lagoon. Let’s just say weaving through the very Euro style locker room is an adventure in its own right, and even more so if it’s jam-packed.

But did you know there is an awesome alternative that opened in 2022 in Akureyri? The tranquil Forest Lagoon is the anti-Blue Lagoon where you can have some space for a nearly identical experience.

Receiving rave reviews, one recent guest exclaimed, “Of all the lagoons I visited in Iceland, this one was my absolute favorite!”, with others such as the Myvatn Nature Baths within 40 miles.

Alternative lagoons are not the only draw to lure more tourists in Akureyri and the surrounding area. This entire region packs a punch with less crowds and insanely beautiful natural sites.

Not Just A Winter Wonderland

Iceland sees most tourists from the U.S. during the summer months. While Akureyri is magnetizing during winter as top spot for witnessing the Northern Lights, it’s great for a summer getaway too.

As tourism has sky-rocketed, the country is doing its best to disperse tourists across the nation to thin the crowds.

Set along Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, what Bergen is to Oslo, Akureyri is to Reykjavik. In other words, it’s worth the extra bit of effort to reach.

Those new to Iceland may be surprised by the country’s endless green landscapes. Locals commonly joke Iceland and Greenland should switch names.

The scenery is gorgeous throughout the area with similar, and perhaps even more jaw-dropping sites, than southern Iceland with waterfalls like Skjalfandafljot Falls nearby.

Between May – September, Akureyri is an incredible place to go whale watching through multiple tour operators.

While many Iceland tourists are all about Puffin sightings, spotting a variety of Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and even Blue Whales and Orcas on occasion, is a whole other level.

And like Reykjavik, Akureyri is both charming and quirky and worth some on your itinerary hopping around all the scenic spots from the Akureyrarkirkja church, a handful of museums, and trendy cafes.

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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Southern Living just released the ‘South’s Best of 2025′, covering categories from ‘Best Seafood Dives’, ‘Best Cruise Lines’, and of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the South without scoping out the ‘Best Beach Towns‘.

No offense to Southern living, but the big winner was a Georgia island we covered before their big reveal — and yes, it definitely lives up to the hype.

As for Florida, the Sunshine State always packs a punch, whether it be world-renowned cities or vibrant Caribbean-esque beaches.

In this case, a white sand island in the midst of making a significant comeback was crowned Florida’s top destination for 2025.

Hit hard not once, not twice, but three times by hurricanes in the past couple of years, Fort Myers’ Sanibel Island is ready to embrace vacationers yet again — with a caveat.

Before making plans, you should check the latest updates here for major announcements that could affect your vacation.

Florida’s Most Authentic Island: No Stoplights Or Eyesore Resorts

Us humans are an odd bunch.

One moment, we’re searching for the best of the best resort getaways, and the next, we’re seeking rustic small towns with old-timey soda fountains and cozy cottages to escape the city grind.

Sanibel offers a mix of both with a handful of resorts and small town charm, but the island is far from flashy, even with exclusive gated communities like the Kenzie Island neighborhood.

Beachgoers won’t find towering condos overpowering swaying palm trees; just a tranquil, unhurried pace of life to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, whether it be white-sand beaches wrapping the island or ample hiking trails within.

To prove a point about how laid-back Sanibel really is, there are not even stoplights here. Nor are there big-box chains.

Sanibel relies heavily on small businesses and embraces a sense of community, and few places would be happier to welcome you than the locals here as the island has been ravaged by Mother Nature’s wrath multiple times leaving a lasting dent on the economy.

But 2025 is the year Sanibel is turning a corner. So, when you’re seeking your next beach getaway, you can feel a little better knowing your money is reviving a tight-knit community’s beloved natural paradise.

Is Sanibel Island Really Florida’s Top Beach Destination?

We’ve covered numerous white sand paradise ranging from Mississippi’s Ship Island to lesser-known Florida hideaways.

With so many scenic escapes across the South (and particularly Florida), one has the right to question if Sanibel Island is really worth being crowned the top beach destination fresh off disastrous hurricanes.

If you ask me, it all boils down to what type of traveler you are. If you’re a rowdy springbreaker looking for the best beach parties, Sanibel isn’t for you.

If you’re in the 30-and-up crowd like me, then experiencing a serene setting along blue-water beaches and little crowds couldn’t be more enticing — and that’s the big draw for Sanibel.

Plus, it’s easy to reach from well-connected Fort Myers, and there’s plenty to do. I mean, even bucket-list paradises like Bora Bora have been dubbed “Boring Boring”, so what’s the point?

Sanibel is a beautiful island with just enough resorts, small-town charm, quaint cottages, and seemingly endless nature to explore that will captivate you.

In fact, many first-time vacationers wish they had booked one way flights here rather than have to go back home — that’s how alluring Sanibel can be.

Whether it be perusing shops along Periwinkle Way, biking 25 miles of trails, or indulging in southern staples at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, if you’re like everyone who visits, you won’t want to leave!

Albeit the one drawback from recent visitors has been the water coloration due to the aftermath of the hurricane, which seems to be hit or miss depending who you ask.

Sanibel’s Longstanding Claim To Fame

While snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even rocking the knee-high socks-and-sandals combo while treasure hunting is always fun, what visitors look most forward to in Sanibel is shelling.

In fact, it’s safe to say Sanibel is Florida’s unofficial shelling capital. Believe it or not, a Fort Myers news report claims one local beachcomber gets so excited to shell, she’s been nicknamed…wait for it…”Shelly”.

I guess we now know who sells seashells down by the seashore.

There are all types of shells washing ashore, but if you’re new to the shelling game, Southern Living claims finding a Junonia shell is basically like winning the lottery.

And if that doesn’t put an official stamp on ‘shelling capital’ status, then surely a visit to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will.

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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For a number of years now, Europe has been touting the release of a digital travel permit, or in technical terms, an ETIAS, that would apply to all Americans flying to the continent.

From 2021 up until now, it’s been delayed more times than we can count.

Though some news outlets reported earlier this year that 2025 would be the year entry requirements for flying to Europe would change, we really called it, as usual, and predicted back changes would come in 2026 at the earliest.

Now, we’ve heard it from the European Commission themselves.

The ETIAS website has finally launched, and along with it, a confirmation from European Union authorities that the new document will only become an official requirement in the last quarter of 2026.

In their words, “no action is required from travelers at this point”.

If you’re wondering what an ETIAS is, or what exactly does a digital travel permit means, it functions essentially as an online visa, though it isn’t formally called one, without which you will not be able to enter Europe.

Many countries have released different versions of this over the years, under different acronyms: ETA, NZeTA (for New Zealand), and even ESTA in the case of the U.S.

Yep, you might not know this, but the U.S. also requires Europeans and many other foreign nationals to apply for this permit before traveling.

You simply wouldn’t be aware if you’re an American, as it’s your home country and thus visa requirements don’t concern you, or Canadian, who have an exemption.

Europe’s ETIAS will be imposed on all current visa-waiver countries that enjoy low-bureaucracy access to the European Union.

This includes allies like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.

It will cover a whopping 29 countries who are part of Europe’s single customs union and border-free Schengen Area:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Soon enough, the small Mediterranean country of Cyprus will also join the Schengen Area, potentially before 2025, so watch out for that one (link).

Essentially, before traveling to any of the countries listed above, U.S. citizens will have to first request their ETIAS permit, or else they will not be able to board their flights.

It’s hardly exciting news when visa requirements change for Americans—remember Brazil? (link)—but hey, at least the EU is keeping it simple!

Once the ETIAS goes live, all you have to do is create an account on the official website, already available here (link), fill out the form, answer a series of security questions pertaining to your character, personal life, and travel purpose, and pay a 7 euro fee.

Usually, Electronic Travel Authorization forms take between 10 and 15 minutes to be completed, and they’re usually processed immediately, or only a few seconds upon submission.

Once your ETIAS is approved, which should happen instantly for most, unless you’re deemed to be a high-risk traveler or a criminal, you will receive it on the same email you provided when creating your account.

An ETIAS is valid for short stays in the aforementioned Schengen countries, namely 90 days out of any 180-day period.

Not individually, but across all of Schengen: 

Hypothetically, if you’ve flown to France, kickstarted the clock, and used up 7 of those days in Paris from May 1, 2025, then you will have 83 days left to visit other Schengen countries until October 28, 2025.

As the EU Commission has stated, “you must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay”.

Travelers may leave and return at any time, as long as they respect the 90-180 day rule, and their ETIAS remains valid.

Those who are found to be in breach of the short-stay rule, something that will become far easier to catch as soon as the accompanying Entry-Exit System (EES), gets put into motion, might be penalised.

Depending on the length of overstay and the severity, this could involve having their ETIAS revoked, and thus their travel privileges, getting issued hefty fines, and a worst case scenario, even a multiple-year travel ban.

ETIAS will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, or it may expire sooner if your passport is due to expire earlier.

EU authorities are reminding tourists once again that their passports must not be due to expire for at least 3 months following their intended date of entry.

In the event it is expiring sooner, they will not be able to board EU-bound flights, or other transportation modes even in the possession of a valid ETIAS.

For all the dual U.S.-EU nationals out there, we hear your concerns:

You are not affected by these changes, as you are a citizen of the European Union as well.

However, in that case, you should make sure you always book any EU-bound flights using your EU passport.

Travelling to Europe on an American one, you will need an ETIAS, even if you can show proof you’re European too.

It’s a simple rule:

Going to the U.S.? Blue passport so as to bypass the ESTA requirement.

Flying to Europe? Grab the red one, and you’re exempt from ETIAS.

It’s a fast-changing travel landscape and an increasingly confusing world to navigate.

Travel requirements for Americans are changing across the board, and you don’t want to left out of the news loop only to get an unpleasant surprise at the airport, or arriving at a foreign border.

Check out all the latest updates, including a similar one from the U.K., here. (Link)

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

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Panama’s calling, and you’re ready to answer. But before you book that flight and start dreaming of canal cruises and rainforest hikes, let’s get the practical stuff out of the way. You need to know the Panama entry requirements for Americans, and you need them straight. No complicated jargon, just the essential information you can use. Think of this as your quick, friendly guide to getting into Panama, so you can move on to the fun part: planning your adventure.

The Big One: Your Passport

First and foremost, your passport is your golden ticket. Make absolutely sure it has at least three months of validity remaining from your intended date of departure from Panama. This is crucial! No valid passport, no Panama trip. It’s that simple. You’ll also need to have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. You can confirm this info on the Panama Immigration Authority.

How Long Can You Stay?

Once you’re in, you’re generally granted a tourist visa that allows you to stay for up to 180 days (six months). This is plenty of time to explore the Panama Canal, chill on the beaches, or delve into the rainforest. Keep in mind that this is a maximum, and immigration officials have the final say on the length of your stay. You can confirm this info on the US State Department travel page for Panama.

Multiple Visits?

You can visit Panama multiple times a year, but those 180 days are cumulative within a 12-month period. So, if you stay for 90 days, you’ll have 90 days left to use within that year. It’s not a hard reset every visit.

Arriving by Air

Most Americans arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. If you’re flying in, you’ll need to show your valid passport and may be asked for proof of onward travel (a return or onward ticket). It’s also a good idea to have your accommodation details handy.

Land Border Crossings

If you’re entering Panama by land from Costa Rica or Colombia, the same passport validity rules apply. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times and more thorough checks. Ensure you have all required documentation as border officials can be very strict.

Do You Need A Visa or ETA Forms?

Good news! As of now, US citizens don’t need to apply for a tourist visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to Panama. You’ll receive your tourist visa upon arrival. However, always double-check for updates before your trip, as requirements can change.

The Panama Balboa and Your Wallet

Panama uses the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. This means you can use US dollars everywhere in Panama. No need to worry about complicated currency conversions. For example, if something costs 10 Balboas, it’s also $10 USD. This makes budgeting and spending super easy for US travelers.

Staying Safe: US State Department Travel Advisory

The US Department of State regularly issues travel advisories. Currently, Panama is generally considered safe for travelers, but it’s always wise to stay informed. Pay attention to local news, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots. Keep your valuables secure, and don’t flash large amounts of cash. Confirm the latest Travel Advisory for Panama on the US Department of State.

Tips for Staying Safe:

• Make copies of your passport and keep them separate from the originals.
• Inform someone at home of your travel plans and itinerary.
• Use reputable transportation services.

Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net

Unexpected things can happen when you travel, from minor illnesses to flight delays. That’s why travel insurance is highly recommended for Panama. It can cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Don’t leave home without it! Ready to explore Panama with peace of mind? Get a free travel insurance quote today and ensure your trip is protected.

Other Useful Info

• Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in many tourist areas.
• Panama has a tropical climate, so pack light, breathable clothing.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink in Panama City, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere.
• Panama is a great destination for eco tourism, and the Panama canal is a must see.

By keeping these entry requirements for Americans in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic and stress-free Panamanian adventure.

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