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Last Updated 5 days ago

The United Nations (UN) wears many hats, oftentimes on the darker side of the spectrum in places not deemed fit for tourists.

Take Haiti, for example. If you’ve been able to decipher real news through the election cycle’s talking heads, then surely you’re aware of Haiti’s continuous tragic downfall.

Founded in 1945, the UN’s purpose has been to promote peace, security, and basic human rights worldwide and step in as needed when nations fail to do so.

That’s why you’ll see the UN present for humanitarian crises, such as Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen – none of which ever sniff top tourism numbers.

But the UN also promotes tourism within their World Tourism Organization branch, especially unheard-of destinations in need of a boost.

In their own words, the hope is to encourage travelers to visit as a ‘driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability’.

Dozens of unknown places made the cut for their ‘Best Tourism Villages 2024‘ list.

To simplify said list, we’ll highlight Mexico’s 3 undiscovered towns because you’re not really going to visit Roches Noires, Mauritius or Azheke, China, are you?

Capulálpam de Méndez: Oaxaca’s Untouched Mountain Village

As one of Mexico’s hotspots for all types of travelers, Oaxaca’s gorgeous coastlines and immensely cultural namesake city have been well explored.

But venturing northeast through the Sierra Juarez is a quiet mountain town you’ve likely never heard of and may need to tap into your Rosetta Stone skills.

Capulálpam de Méndez may be a mouthful to say, but the UN believes it’s well worth a visit – and yes, ‘mouthful’ is a double entendre as there may be no better authentic food region in Mexico.

While the highly anticipated train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca is destined to showcase the region’s hidden gems, Capulálpam de Méndez is an extra layer of “hidden” as most travelers overlook the Sierra Juarez’s villages.

Set 7,710 feet high, this delightful town is oozing timeless charm. So much so, it can quite literally take your breath away.

In fact, the town’s real claim to fame was being designated as a pueblo magico in 2007, but it’s ready to embrace its newfound fame as Oaxaca has soared to new heights.

Start your day with a coffee and epic views at El Verbo de Méndez Café, wander timeless streets and witness the crown jewel, Parroquia de San Mateo, and rest your head at Hotel Chorromonte, housed in a traditional colonial building.

Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza: In The Heart Of Mexico’s Final Frontier

There are few states in Mexico where you may not recognize a city, but that’s the case for the state of Coahuila.

In fact, the claim to fame may be in Texas’ Big Bend National Park as a bi-national natural wonder stretching across the border.

Other than that, it’s quite likely you haven’t heard of a single place here. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, as there’s a bit of a loophole to visiting this small desert oasis.

Dubbed as the ‘Galapagos Of Mexico’, and also designated as a pueblo magico, if you’re into stunning nature and colonial charm, this off-path region is right up your alley.

Home to enormous craters, glassy rivers, vivid blue pools, along with postcard-worthy cobbled streets on the “urban” side, your sense of wanderlust will be redlining.

As off-the-beaten path as it may be, it’s not a treacherous journey. Two border towns, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras, offer bus routes, but if it were me, I’d fly into Torreon (nonstop flights from Dallas and San Antonio) and take a 3-hour bus from there for a safer option.

Palizada: Campeche’s Riverfront Treasure

Surprise, surprise – another pueblo magico. Experiencing old Mexico never gets, well, old.

Mexico’s ‘magic towns’ are teeming with rich history still permeating on every street.

Palizada is no different, but may be the most eye-catching of the bunch. Located in the state of Campeche, which has slowly begun creeping onto travelers’ radars, is gleaming with vibrancy and historic charm.

Wandering the streets is the best way to get a feel for the way of life here where you can visit local artisan shops, eat delicious local cuisine like Atapakua and Churipos, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rio Palizada.

The easiest way to get here is to fly into Villahermosa or Campeche, one of Mexico’s safest cities, and take a bus.

As far as modern conveniences go, Palizada may be the most convenient of the bunch with well-preserved buildings, more accommodation options, and plentiful captivating excursions like river cruises and Mayan ruins tours, which you can read more about here on the town’s official tourism page.

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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Last Updated 3 months ago

Sun, sea, and stunning white sand. Tropical rum cocktails. Plus, guaranteed great weather.

Fall is the perfect time to book that well-deserved vacation to the Caribbean. 

However, some Caribbean islands are safer than others.  

The U.S. Government issue travel advisory ratings for each country in the world which range from Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions to Level 4: Do Not Travel.  

This is advice rather than hard and fast instruction, as many U.S. travelers continue to explore level 3 and 4 destinations.

The huge number of Americans who continue to go to Jamaica (with its Level 3: Reconsider Travel rating) is a great example of this.  

However, 18 Caribbean islands have been awarded a Level 1 travel advisory rating. Meaning these are the safest Caribbean islands to visit right now:   

What Is A Level 1 Travel Advisory Rating?  

If you visit a destination with a Level 1 Travel Advisory rating, you’re as safe as you can be if you use U.S. government advice as your benchmark for safety.  

Even if this isn’t your benchmark, it’s worth being aware of the Travel Advisory rating for each destination you visit, because this can have an impact on the validity of your travel insurance.

According to the U.S. State Department website “Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.” 

Travel advisory ratings are regularly reviewed by the U.S. Department of State, meaning that the information they contain is up to date.  

On August 19, 2024, the ratings for 6 different Caribbean islands were reviewed and then rereleased without change.  

Those islands were Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba.

The 18 Safest Islands In The Caribbean 

So where should you consider travelling for your next visit to a stunning Caribbean island paradise?  

Well if safety is one of your primary concerns, then you should choose one of the following 18 islands:  

Anguilla – This is a small island with a population of less than 20,000 and 33 beautiful beaches to choose from. It’s a popular spot for snorkelers and divers thanks to its barrier reef, and 7 unique marine parks.  

Antigua and Barbuda– These islands boast a mix of pretty pink and white sand beaches and are best known for their warm and welcoming people. Sailing is a popular activity here, as is eating as much fresh seafood as possible!  

Aruba – White sand beaches, the colorful buildings in the capital of Oranjestad, and spectacular geographical formations. Aruba also boasts year-round sunshine and a great climate. We’ve had staff stay at both the Marriott and the Embassy Suites properties and loved it! Don’t forget to visit the north side of the island too; it is like visiting another planet! (De Palm Tours has an awesome UTV experience that starts at $189)

Barbados – Barbados is a popular island with an active nightlife and fascinating pirate history. It’s also the birthplace of rum! Travelers choose Barbados for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, which are ideal for surfing.  

Bermuda – The beautiful beaches are the main attraction in Bermuda with the most famous and popular being the curved Horseshoe Bay Beach. Many tourists choose Bermuda for the off shore diving opportunities.  

Bonaire – Bonaire boasts the same stunning beaches and turquoise waters as many other Caribbean islands but it is also known for its cultural events. You’ll find the world’s oldest marine park here. Offshore diving is so good here that if you can dive to 30ft with a snorkel, you don’t really need much equipment to see some incredible marine life. For something really unique, try landsailing! Bonaire Landsailing Adventures offers the experience from $60 and up.

British Virgin Islands – If you love to be in water then this is the perfect vacation spot. Fishing, sailing, and swimming are the most popular pastimes on the British Virgin Islands. This is a volcanic island chain with wildlife rich rainforests.  

Cayman Islands – Over 2 million tourists visit the Cayman Islands every year and is a high-end but laid-back island chain loaded with resorts. Outdoor adventures and outstanding natural beauty await.  

Curacao  – Curacao is home to world-class diving spots, and is sheltered which means it enjoys great weather, gentle trade winds, and is sheltered from the Atlantic’s hurricane season. The capital of Willemstad is the only World Heritage Site in the Caribbean.  

Dominica – This is the Caribbean’s most mountainous island meaning it boasts excellent hiking trails and outstanding natural beauty. One of its main attractions is the natural hot springs, many of which are suitable for bathing in.  

French West Indies – Located in the French-speaking Caribbean (as the name suggests) this is a great place to explore both French and Caribbean culture, with both influencing the music, cuisine, architecture, and style on the island.  

Grenada  – Beaches, waterfalls, and marine life are the main attractions on Grenada. Off the west coast of Grenada, divers can visit a collection of 75 underwater sculptures by artist Jason de Caires Taylor. From staff experiences, we can recommend Dive Grenada as the top pick for scuba and snorkel outings.

Saint Kitts And Nevis – These are rich volcanic islands with 18 miles of lush rainforest and a majestic mountain range. Ideal for all kinds of outdoor adventurers!  

Saint Lucia  – Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia boasts incredible rainforests surrounded by turquoise waters. The beaches here are stunning, but it’s the vibrant nightlife scene that steals the show and has return visitors coming back for more.  

Saint Vincent and The Grenadines – Like many other islands in the region, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines boasts outstanding natural beauty. It is home to unique black sand beaches and climbing or hiking are popular activities here. Visit for the luxury all-inclusive resorts and the rich pirate and sailing history.  

Saba – Saba Island is the smallest island in the Caribbean. It’s just a tiny speck of a former volcano, but it’s an idyllic paradise of a speck that is rarely visited by tourists, so it has a wonderful old-school vibe.  

Sint Eustatius – This is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island famous for its excellent diving and hiking. Not hugely popular with tourists, this island has an authentic feel and its locals are friendly and welcoming. If you’re interested in history, more than 300 archeological sites have been documented on the island.  

Sint Maarten – Another Dutch Caribbean island, Sint Maarten is very different to Sint Eustatius. It’s much bigger and boasts world-class shopping and an amazing modern arts and culture scene. It has also been named the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

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 months ago

With its high-end resorts and exclusive fine dining experiences, the Caribbean might not be your first choice for a budget getaway.  

But according to a new report from Squaremouth, one Caribbean island is the cheapest spot for American travelers to choose if you’re looking for a budget fall getaway this year.  

I’m talking about the Bahamas, and I’m just as surprised as you are!  

The same study found that traveling this fall will cost 30% more than it did last year, making this the most expensive fall travel season to date.  

Wondering whether the Squaremouth research is right on the money? Here’s a breakdown of costs to visit the Bahamas to work out just how affordable it can be:  

Flying To The Bahamas  

There are 4 international airports in the Bahamas:

• Nassau
• George Town
• Freeport
• Marsh Harbor

They all offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. this fall.  

The cheapest airport to fly into is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. 

This is also the busiest airport in the Bahamas and is considered the most important airport in the Caribbean, so I will focus on this one when listing example prices.  

Getting to Nassau is a breeze, with direct flights from a whopping 10 U.S. airports this fall.  

These are:

• Miami
• New York
• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Atlanta
• Houston
• Boston
• Charlotte
• West Palm Beach

Flying from Miami to Nassau from October 15 to October 22 nonstop in an economy class seat will cost $245 flying with Bahamas Air.

Alternatively if you would prefer a U.S airline then for $265 you could choose American Airlines on the same dates.  

This flight route has an incredibly appealing flight time of just 1 hour.  

Alternatively you could fly from New York to Nassau. Flying from October 13 to October 19 nonstop will cost $258.

This is with Delta, and has a 3 hour 10 minute flight time.  

Staying In The Bahamas  

There are plenty of options for travelers on all kinds of budgets to visit the Bahamas, but the focus here will be on budget stays.  

And with 700 different Bahaman islands to choose from, narrowing down where exactly you want to stay should be your first job before you pick a hotel.  

Grand Bahama is the most northerly of the main islands, and has a reputation for being the most budget friendly. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches but with a less eye-watering price tag!  

On the Tripadvisor rating of the best 10 budget-friendly hotels in the Bahamas, 3 of the top options cost less than $200 per night for stays in October.

These are the: 

• Saint Francis Resort And Marina. This offers incredible views of the ocean and the harbor, and guests are particularly complimentary about the friendly and welcoming staff.  The Saint Francis Resort And Marina is considered the ‘best little resort’ in a Bahamas.

• Pelican Bay Hotel. Friendly staff,and a great location close to an abundance of great hotels, this is a small hotel that offers everything a budget traveler could need.  

• Sandyport Beach Resort. This is a beachfront resort that’s right by the ocean and in a bustling area, so suited to travelers keen to explore. You’re in walking distance of shops and restaurants, but the resort has everything you need if you don’t want to leave the pool!  

Things To Do In The Bahamas

One of the very best things to do in the Bahamas doesn’t have to cost a penny. Relaxing on perfect white sand beaches!

If you pack your snorkel and mask, then many beaches have shallow areas that are ideal for snorkeling.  

Pearl Island, just northwest of Nassau, is considered the best snorkeling location in the Bahamas.  

Provided you stick to public beaches or the beach attached to your hotel or resort, spending the day on the beach or snorkeling from the shore doesn’t have to cost you a single cent!  

If you prefer diving then the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and The Abacosall feature a host of world-renowned dive sites.  

If you fancy yourself an international man (or woman) of mystery then the James Bond Wrecks is one of the most famous dive sites in the Bahamas. Located off the coast of New Providence, you can book trips with the Reef Oasis Dive Club.

Dive packages start from $61 per person.  

Finally, the most popular and famous excursion that takes place in the Bahamas is a visit to see the swimming pigs.

You can arrange this with Exuma Water Tours, though I admit it’s more of a splurge than  a budget day out.  

A half-day pig swimming tour on a 36-foot power boat with reef snorkeling and blow hole swimming, as well as the chance to swim with the pigs, will cost $190 per person.  

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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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Even before we engorge ourselves with a Thanksgiving feast and deal with the annual Black Friday frenzy, many travelers are already dreaming of sunny escapes.

Leaves are still falling and menus continue highlighting pumpkin spice concoctions, but winter adventures are right around the corner.

Some of us seek sun-kissed shores while others embrace the magic of winter by digging up snowboards and skis from storage ready to carve up the slopes.

If the latter is more your vibe, then you can’t miss Amtrak’s Winter Express train passing through the majestic Rockies, taking you to a top-rated ski resort as well as a Colorado hidden gem.

Better yet, fares are as low as $19 if you act fast. Plus, bringing your own skis and snowboard as a carry-on is absolutely free of charge!

Depart From Denver

Backdropped by the Rockies is Colorado’s largest city with riverside trails, vivid green parks, trendy restaurants, and a thriving craft beer scene, not just silver cans that light up blue.

Despite being a mountainous city dubbed ‘Mile High’, it’s actually quite pleasant in winter; not nearly as frigid as you might suspect.

As such, to take advantage of a quintessential ‘white Christmas’ and satisfy your winter wanderlust, you gotta go deep into the mountains.

And what better way than to only spend $19 for a domed-window seat to observe some of Colorado’s prettiest scenery as you glide through the snow-capped Rockies and blanketed valleys?

Whether passing through or a proud ‘Denverite’, hopping aboard the Winter Express is the best option for a ski trip to avoid the slick, winding mountain roads.

I mean, why deal with tire chains when you can let a conductor do all the work?

The train departs from Denver’s timeless Union Station. If you’ve never been, it’s worth visiting just to be in awe of this Beaux Arts masterpiece.

You can purchase tickets on Amtrak’s app or website, or in-person at the station.

Beginning December 20, 2024, the train departs Denver at 7am, arriving at skiing hotspot Winter Park Resort at 9:11am only on weekends.

Service will increase from January 9, 2025, through March 31, 2025 (excluding Tuesday and Wednesday).

Winter Park Resort: A Top-Rated Adventure

Winter Park Resort proudly boasts front and center they are the ‘Top Ski Resort in North America’.

This place is astounding and truly has it all. From lush forestry, gleaming snow-covered landscape, and never-ending things to do, such as Snowcat Tours and Glow Night Tubing, why would you go anywhere else?

The options are endless here, and it doesn’t matter your level of experience hitting the slopes. In fact, their experts will teach you on-site.

Stays range from cozy lodges to spacious townhomes, many of which are near the gondola for easy access to start your day off right with epic mountain views.

Visitors have their choice to purchase daily lift tickets or season passes, depending on how long you anticipate being here.

Try to book daily tickets at least 48 hours in advance to score big savings!

The train arrives from Denver at the WPR station, where you can choose to hop off for an unforgettable ski trip or continue onward to the route’s newest stop, Fraser.

Last Stop: Fraser, Colorado’s Authentic Mountain Town

Fraser is a lesser-known mountain town well under the radar for most travelers. Here, you can find a charming village not curated to tourists unlike the glitz, glamour, and chain-laden eyesores of Aspen, for example.

In Fraser, what you see is what you get, and you’ll like what you see. You can learn about the town’s history at the Cozens Ranch Museum and mingle with locals at their favorite hole-in-the-wall eateries like The Back Bowl, where brisket burritos are to die for.

Fraser is best served as a gateway for winter sports, however. Expect cheaper stays at mid-tier chains and even the MeadowRidge Resort – but just know the fun police run things around here, enforcing a strict ‘no alcohol’ policy.

Don’t fret though; you can enjoy some adult beverages on the train’s two-level Sightseer Lounge providing elevated views up top and snacks and drinks on the bottom.

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.

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Last Updated 1 year ago

More travelers than ever before are choosing cruises over other types of travel.

In 2023, it’s expected that a record-breaking 31.5 million travelers will cruise this year. It’s clear that cruising is back with a vengeance, but just why is this form of travel so popular right now?

Here are the top five reasons that travelers are choosing cruises this year:

1. “Now Or Never” Mindset

Many cruisers have a “now or never” mindset when it comes to travel right now, according to a new report. After over two full years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, many travelers realized the danger of putting off that dream trip for “someday.”

Rather than waiting for the “right time” to take a trip, more travelers are living in the moment and booking their dream trips right now, knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Additionally, there is a lot of pent-up demand for cruises due to the harsh restrictions imposed on the cruise industry for over two years. Many travelers who had a cruise planned or wanted to take a cruise during those two years are finally getting the chance to do so now.

2. Ease Of Group Travel

Another reason that more travelers are choosing cruises right now is due to the ease of group travel. According to the report, many people are turning to travel to reconnect with family, friends, and other loved ones.

Cruises are an easy and hassle-free way for large groups to travel together, and multi-cabin bookings are at a record high.

From family reunions at sea to bachelor and bachelorette parties to friend group trips, cruises are a great way to spend travel as a group while still allowing plenty of time for everyone to do their own thing.

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3. More Options For Solo Travelers

Solo travel has been a huge travel trend in 2023. This always ties in with the “now or never” mindset of many travelers: why wait to travel just because your friends, family, or significant other can’t travel with you? More and more travelers are heading off on adventures solo rather than missing out.

It used to be that cruises were not a budget-friendly option for solo travelers due to cabin pricing based on double occupancy. This effectively means that solo travelers are paying double.

But now, there are a growing number of cruise ships offering cabins specifically for solo travelers. This makes cruising an attainable option for solo travelers, and solo cruising has been growing in popularity.

4. An Affordable Way To Travel

With skyrocketing airfare and hotel costs in 2023, cruising is a surprisingly affordable way to travel. It’s not uncommon to find cruise deals for well under $100 per day per person.

When you consider that cruises are all-inclusive, with all accommodations, meals, entertainment, and cruise ports included in your fare, it makes cruising a very attractive, budget-friendly way of traveling.

Of course, there are certain things that may cost extra on your cruise (like alcoholic beverages and sodas, WiFi packages, and shore excursions), but it’s still an overall affordable way to travel when you break down the per-day costs.

5. Cruises For Everyone

Let’s admit it, for a long time, cruising carried a certain stereotype. Think of a ship full of retirees playing shuffleboard on the lido deck while a Jimmy Buffett song plays in the background.

But these days, that stereotype is far from true. There are cruise lines and cruises for everyone, whether you’re young or old, a couple or single, a family with young kids or a group of adults, an adventure-seeker or a beach bum. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it on a cruise.

For example, expedition cruises have been trending in 2023. Far from your typical Caribbean beach-hopping cruise, these adventurous cruises take travelers to exciting destinations like Antarctica, Alaska, Canada’s Northwest Passage, Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, and the South Pacific.

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