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If you’re looking for the ultimate escape—a place where relaxation, luxury, and breathtaking mountain views come together in perfect harmony—then let us introduce you to an Italian Alps town that has it all – Ortisei!

Specifically, staying at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, tucked away in the Dolomites in Ortisei, will guarantee an amazing spa experience coupled with adventure and charm.

From the moment we arrived, we felt like the entire environment was designed to melt our worries away.

Every second of every day was about wellness, rejuvenation, and soaking in the sheer beauty of the Dolomites.

This wasn’t just a vacation; it was an experience we’ll be dreaming about until we return.

A Room with a View

Our room at ADLER was everything we could have hoped for—spacious, cozy, and incredibly comfortable.

The natural wood paneling and elegant alpine decor created a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

But the best part?

The breathtaking view from our balcony.

Every morning, we woke up to a stunning panorama of the Dolomites, with the sun casting a golden glow over the peaks.

It felt like waking up in a postcard.

To top it off, when we arrived, we were greeted with a chilled bottle of champagne and a beautiful fruit spread waiting for us. It was such a thoughtful touch that made our stay feel extra special from the very first moment.

A Spa Experience Like No Other

ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI is truly a paradise for anyone who loves to be pampered (raising my hand right now!).

The spa is divided into family-friendly and adult-only areas, so whether you’re visiting with kids or seeking a quiet retreat, you’ll find your perfect space.

One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the private spa experience for two.

This was next-level relaxation. We had our own little private sanctuary that felt like stepping into another world.

It started with time in the sauna together, followed by a rinse, and then one of us would nap on the comfiest bed ever while the other got a massage.

Then we switched, and then we switched again for a body scrub. Finally, to top it all off, there were two tubs waiting for us, filled up with warm water, where we soaked and sipped on champagne.

It was one of the most romantic and rejuvenating experiences we’ve ever had.

Another must-try is the adults-only spa area. We created our own little sauna ritual that we did every morning and highly recommend!

We moved from the steam sauna to the dry sauna, then braved the cold plunge before finishing in the jacuzzi.

It was an invigorating cycle that left us feeling completely refreshed.

The resort also offers a Himalayan salt sauna, a hay sauna (it smells amazing), and a salt grotto where we could float while listening to peaceful underwater music.

If you’re a fan of hydrotherapy, their AGUANA Water World is the place to be.

With both indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, and panoramic mountain views, we easily lost track of time just floating and taking it all in.

The Perfect Base for Exploring Ortisei

While we could have easily spent every moment in the spa, we did take time to explore Ortisei.

This charming mountain town is known for its stunning scenery, incredible hiking trails, and rich woodcarving tradition.

We hiked on trails within walking distance of the resort and discovered lifts all around town that make skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer super accessible.

Unfortunately, since we visited during the off-season, they weren’t running—but we’re already planning to return, alternating between winter and summer each year.

Yes, I said each year.

Sometimes, you stumble on a place that is worth endlessly repeating, and ADLER DOLOMITI and Ortisei fit the bill.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Ortisei is a hiker’s paradise. In the summer months, the trails around town offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites.

There are scenic paths leading to places like Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Resciesa. The well-maintained trails vary in difficulty, making it easy for both casual walkers and experienced trekkers to find something we’d love.

For those looking to take their adventure up a notch, there are guided alpine excursions available, including sunrise hikes, via ferrata climbs, and even paragliding for the truly adventurous.

And if you’re visiting in winter? This region transforms into a skiing wonderland with some of the best slopes in the world.

The Art of Woodcarving

Ortisei is also famous for its woodcarving heritage.

This tradition dates back centuries, and we could still find family-run workshops creating intricate sculptures, figurines, and religious art.

We wandered through several local shops, admiring the craftsmanship and even bringing home a few small handcrafted pieces as a keepsake to add to our nativity every Christmas.

Dining at ADLER: A 5-Star Culinary Experience

One of the best things about staying at ADLER is that breakfast and dinner are included in our nightly rate—and let us tell you, the food is on another level.

While there are great restaurants around town, the hotel’s restaurant is a five-star dining experience. Each meal felt more like an event than just eating.

Breakfast was a dream, with an incredible spread of fresh pastries, local cheeses, fruit, and made-to-order eggs. And dinner? Absolutely unforgettable.

We enjoyed gourmet multi-course meals that were both delicious and nourishing, making us feel like we were indulging while still embracing the overall wellness theme of the resort.

We liked to dress up a bit for dinner, though it’s not required—just another touch that made the experience feel extra special.

Winter Magic: Skiing in the Dolomites

Though we visited in the warmer months, we’re already planning a winter trip to experience Ortisei’s ski scene.

The town is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, which connects over 1,200 km of slopes across 12 ski regions. That means endless runs, breathtaking snow-covered landscapes, and some of the best après-ski relaxation we could ask for.

What makes skiing here extra special is the seamless blend of sport and wellness.

Imagine spending the day gliding down perfect powder, then returning to ADLER to soak in the heated pools and unwind in the sauna. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and self-care, and one we plan to take advantage of ASAP!

The Ultimate Mountain Escape

Aside from the spa and dining, everything about ADLER is designed for comfort and relaxation.

The resort itself is set within a 9,000 m² park, blending nature and luxury seamlessly. The rooms are spacious, cozy, and beautifully designed with natural wood paneling and panoramic mountain views.

One of our favorite memories? Just sitting and staring at the mountains from our balcony, from the jacuzzis, from the sunning area—anywhere, really.

The Dolomites have a way of making you feel small in the best way possible, like you’re part of something truly majestic. We still dream about those views and honestly wish we could live there.

Would We Go Back? 1,000,000% Yes.

Without a doubt, we’ll be returning to ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI. Next time, we want to go during ski season to experience the slopes and then unwind in the spa at the end of each day.

The idea of skiing through the Dolomites and then relaxing in the whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms? Absolute perfection.

If you’re looking for a place that combines luxury, wellness, adventure, and the most stunning mountain scenery you’ve ever seen, ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI needs to be on your list.

It’s more than a hotel—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.

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

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As if there weren’t enough white-sand Caribbean beaches to jet off to, those looking for their next paradisal vacation now have another option.

We all know the Caribbean is speckled with islands, making for unforgettable getaways amongst some of the world’s top beaches, some more popular than others.

As such, some of the most spacious untouched beaches are a trek to reach, even by cruise if that’s more your jam.

But American Airlines is making one such place easier to reach by offering Americans a pathway to one stunning island with new resorts, sugary white sand, and crystal-clear waters for the first time ever.

South Caicos: The Caribbean’s Budding Hotspot This Spring

If you think you know Turks and Caicos, think again!

Yes, we all know Turks and Caicos is in an exclusive club of picture-perfect destinations that has probably flashed before your eyes on your screensaver numerous times.

But vacationers often hit up the same beaches over and over again or find themselves in a tizzy trying to see all the sites in a tight squeeze so they can make it back to the cruise port on time.

Most travelers who visit Turks and Caicos find themselves on the island of Providenciales (a.k.a. “Provo”), home to the island’s main airport and stunning beaches like Grace Bay Beach as well as numerous resorts lining the vibrant coast.

But now visitors have a new entry point — South Caicos. This is a separate island set to become the new “it” destination of Turks and Caicos with American Airlines leading the charge.

While it’s true other Caribbean islands such as Jamaica and The Bahamas are more popular, beach crowds can be a nuisance anywhere, including right here in Provo.

In fact, in what could formally be described as one of the Caribbean’s crowd-free getaways, more travelers are now in on the secret, resulting in places like Provo skyrocketing in popularity recently.

On the flip side, South Caicos offers a wonderfully secluded experience with heaps of white sand, immaculately pristine waters, and a new name-brand resort, adding to an already impressive portfolio of lavish stays that we’ll get to in a moment.

Historic New Flight To South Caicos

On a day where many travelers are up in arms over Southwest putting the kibosh on their free-bag policy, kudos to American for taking chances on new destinations in 2025.

Adding South Caicos to their list of new flights, travelers can begin flying here as soon as March 15th, the date of the initial launch.

According to the Caribbean Journal, after unexpected delays, the new service is set for twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays after kicking off this weekend.

Flights will depart from Miami (MIA) and land in South Caicos (XSC), joining only InterCaribbean Airways at this tiny airport.

Tickets are on sale online through February 4, 2026. Clearly, Americans believe this route will be a big success if you book almost a year in advance.

New Marriott Resort Now Open

Those who haven’t heard of South Caicos won’t need to worry about finding a nice place to rest their head at night, as there are already luxe resorts awaiting them.

The newest of the bunch is Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos (a Marriott brand) — and they’re booking up quick!

This highly anticipated resort is in their soft opening phase and taking reservations. I searched random dates throughout spring and found you will need to fork over a hefty amount to stay here as I rarely found rates below $1,000 per night.

As mentioned, there are other resorts on the island as well. While not as new, they’re still luxurious, including the 5-star Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort — truly a bucket-list destination, but again, you’ll need to count your pennies.

The other resorts are 4-star Sailrock South Caicos and 3-star South Caicos Ocean & Beach Resort.

New Travel Advisory Issued For Turks And Caicos

You may have seen a new travel advisory was issued for Turks and Caicos by the U.S. State Department.

It was widely publicized due to being pretty surprising as this paradise island is largely deemed safe, overall.

Most travel advisories urge travelers to be aware of their surroundings as crime can happen anywhere, but in this case, despite mentioning most crime occurs in Provo, the concern is actually in travelers’ hands.

The U.S. State Department is warning travelers to double-check their bags as carrying firearms, or any ammunition is illegal and a surefire way to wind up on Locked Up Abroad in Turks and Caicos, facing stiff penalties of up to 12 years in prison.

If you’re what Turks and Caicos had to say in response to the new Level 2 advisory, click here.

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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Planning a trip to Brazil? But before you pack your samba shoes, let’s talk about the essential Brazil Entry Requirements For Americans. Forget the complicated government jargon; we’re going to break it down in plain, simple English. This article is your friendly guide to navigating the latest rules, so you can focus on the fun part: exploring Brazil!

Your Passport Must Have Six Months’ Validity: A Key Brazil Entry Requirement For Americans

One of the most important things to know about Brazil Entry Requirements For Americans is your passport’s expiration date. It’s not enough to just have a passport; it needs to be valid for at least six months after the day you plan to arrive in Brazil. So, if you’re landing on July 1st, your passport needs to be good until at least January 1st of the following year. This rule is there to make sure you’re covered for your whole trip, just in case anything unexpected happens. If your passport doesn’t meet this six-month rule, you might be turned away at the border. You can confirm this info on the US State Department Website.

The New E-Visa Launching in 2025

The biggest change in Brazil Entry Requirements For Americans for 2025 is the reinstatement of the e-visa. As of April 10, 2025, you absolutely must have an e-visa before you travel. This is non-negotiable. Don’t risk being turned away at the airport. Applying is straightforward, though. Just head to the Official Brazilian e-Visa Application

How Long Can Americans Stay?

With your e-visa, you can stay up to 90 days. You have the option to extend this for another 90 days, bringing your total stay to 180 days within a 12-month period.

Getting into Brazil: Air or Land

Most folks from the US arrive in Brazil by plane. When you land, you’ll go through immigration. They’ll check your passport and your e-visa, and you might get a few simple questions about why you’re visiting. While Brazilian authorities don’t mandate a return ticket for entry, airlines often require proof of onward travel to allow you to board your flight to Brazil, and you may be denied entry if you don’t have it

If you’re coming in by land, it’s a little less common, but the same rules apply. Whether you fly or drive, you’ll need that e-visa.

Making Your Money Go Further: Understanding the Brazilian Real

One of the real advantages of traveling to Brazil for Americans right now is the favorable exchange rate. On average, 1 USD is approximately 5.75 BRL. However, it’s crucial to understand that this rate fluctuates constantly. You can always confirm the most up-to-date rate on Wise.

To maximize your savings:

• Check the rate regularly: Even small changes can impact your budget.
• Consider no-fee credit cards: Cards with no foreign transaction fees can save you money on exchange rate markups.
• Be smart with ATMs: Withdraw larger sums less frequently to minimize fees.

Safety Tips and the US State Department Advisory

The U.S. State Department advises exercising increased caution in Brazil due to crime. Specifically, they highlight concerns about violent crime, such as robberies and assaults, which can occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. They recommend avoiding displaying signs of wealth, like expensive jewelry or electronics. Be particularly vigilant in major cities and popular tourist destinations, as these areas can be hotspots for crime. At night, stick to well-lit and populated areas, and consider using ride-sharing services or reputable taxis. Stay updated on local news and be aware of potential protests or demonstrations. You can find the latest travel advisory and specific recommendations on the State Department’s website.

Travel Insurance: A Smart Addition

Travel insurance is a must-have, and should be considered part of your personal checklist when visiting Brazil. It protects you from unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation. Click here to compare affordable travel insurance options.

So, there you have it – the essentials for your Brazilian adventure! Remember, the key takeaways are to double-check your passport’s validity and check if the new e-visa has launched.

While Brazil offers incredible experiences, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and take the safety tips seriously. And, of course, don’t forget the peace of mind that travel insurance provides. By ticking off these boxes, you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic and worry-free trip. Now, go get ready to experience the vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and delicious food that Brazil has to offer. Safe travels!

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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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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.