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Last Updated 1 min ago

Cancun may have the all-inclusive hotels, Puerto Vallarta the golden sand beaches, and there’s truly no beating Cabo’s wellness tourism scene, but this season, it’s Veracruz that’s stealing the limelight in Mexico as one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.

Located on the Gulf Coast, it was formerly one of the most popular beach getaways in the country before slowly fading into the background, as the Mexican Caribbean and the Pacific resort hubs soared in popularity, but it’s now making an unlikely comeback.

As stated by Iván Martínez Olvera, Veracruz has broken a series of tourism records this year, with a 100% increase in the number of visitors, and an even-more impressive 470% growth in regional tourism investment and development.

Figures aside, this means tourists are flocking back to Veracruz after years of just blatantly ignoring it, and it’s time we looked into the reasons why.

Veracruz Is One Of The Cultural Capitals Of Mexico!

First of all, it may have something to do with the fact that Veracruz is one of the most culturally-significant cities in the country, as it is Mexico’s oldest and largest port, founded as early as the 16th century by the Spanish.

It has an architectural wealth to rival Mexico City and Merida, with a landmark-packed historic center playing host to grand plazas, left virtually untouched since the Europeans first settled the area, beautiful churches and pedestrian-friendly lanes.

Think the monumental Castle of San Juan de Ulúa, a European-style fortress guarding the entrance to the harbor, the Municipal Palace, dating as far back as the year 1608, or the historical Venustiano Carranza Lighthouse, a neoclassical building with a palatial design.

The whitewashed Cathedral of Veracruz, finished in 1731, is yet another of Veracruz’ top attractions, distinguished by its five naves, richly-decorated cupola, clad in tiles extracted from Puebla, a fellow colonial gem of Mexico, and a crystal candelabra-lit interior.

Sandy Beaches For Miles On End…

Aside from the obvious historical value, Veracruz straddles the bright-blue Gulf of Mexico, with the local malecón (the popular Mexican word for boardwalk) stretching for several long miles from the colonial center, all the way into the fringe areas of town.

It offers breathtaking ocean vistas, and the taco and tamales stalls, souvenir shops, and laid-back restaurants make it an incredibly lively area to stroll day and night, and if it’s unspoiled beaches you’re looking for, look no further than these:

• Playa de Chachalacas, a peaceful sandy strip hugged by the warm waters of the Gulf, with tall dunes and limited development along the shoreline
• Costa Esmeralda, an off-path beach strip lined with tall palm trees, with beachfront stays starting at a shockingly-cheap $52
• Playa Martí, a short drive from the city center, with clean sand and serene waters, often preferred by families with small children
• Playa Mocambo, one of the best-equipped beaches near Veracruz, boasting a wide range of amenities, from spas to camping areas to tourist-friendly restaurants
• Isla Sacrificios, an islet lying just off the city harbor surrounded by a colorful coral reef, with a handful of white-sand beaches

How Actually Cheap Is Veracruz To Visit?

If you’re wondering how much cheaper Veracruz is compared to other Mexican beach hotspots, we don’t have an exact average to present you, but we can say it’s for sure on the more economical side, especially when paired with Cancun:

It’s not yet been converted into a resort haven for Americans and other gringos arriving from abroad, and the majority of the clientele remains Mexican families escaping the overpriced, jam-packed Caribbean and Pacific coasts, so prices tend to reflect the local purchasing power.

Out of the seven 5-star hotels listed on Booking.com, Gran Hotel Diligencias on the Veracruz boardwalk is the most affordable this season, with double room rates set at $64, while the pool-featuring, beach-facing Camino Real Veracruz is a moderately-priced $129.

The most expensive option is Grand Fiesta Americana Veracruz, where a king-size deluxe room will set you back by $212 per night: with 2 pools, 3 restaurants, a fitness center, poolside bar, private beach access, and airport shuttle included, it’s the closest one to a Cancun-style stay.

Nonstop flights to trendy Veracruz are available from 2 U.S. airports this winter, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston Intercontinental, respectively with American Eagle and United Airlines, with one-way fares averaging $249 for the former and $317 for the latter.

When it comes to safety, the Gulf city is among the least-dangerous destinations south of the border, officially ranking as a Level 2 destination in the U.S. State Department Advisory, on a par with Cancun and Los Cabos, and having ‘moderate’ levels of crime as seen on Numbeo.

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Delta Airlines CEO, Ed Bastian, has suggested air fares will increase by up to 30% in the summer months. With rising fuel costs, rising demand, and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic—travelers are witnessing rising air fares in the United States and the rest of the world. 

When speaking to investors, Ed Bastian said: “We expect pricing this summer to be up probably somewhere between 25% and 30% on average,”

He added: “We’ve never seen anything of that scale.”

According to statistics, airfares in the United States are up by 25% in the previous 12 months. In fact, airfares jumped by a staggering 16.8% in April alone. 

So what should travelers do? Read on to find out!

What Has Delta Airlines Said and How Will It Affect Travelers? 

Delta Airlines has predicted its revenue in Q2 will be back to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, even with fewer flights than in 2019. They expect their revenue to be up 8% more than previously expected. 

So this is good news for the airlines, right? 

Sure.

But it’s not great for travelers like me and you. 

The rising fuel costs are due to soar up to 22% above 2018 levels on a per-seat basis, which is more severe than the mid-April forecast of 17%. In addition, many airlines are contending with staff shortages that sometimes require higher worker pay.

As a result, Delta Airlines are raising flight prices to make up for the increased fuel costs.

Although thousands of travelers are complaining about the rising airfares on social media, many airline executives are reluctant to say it’ll deter travelers from traveling this year.

Speaking at the same event, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, said: “It you’re worried about pricing destroying demand, you are betting against history,” 

He suggests air fares are only back to where they were in 2014 after adjusting for inflation. 

Helane Becker, Senior Research Analyst at Cowen, told Bloomberg TV on Monday: “We’re worried about September and what happens in the fall. Avgas prices are going up and up. Airlines are finding labor costs are going up, fuel costs are going up, airport costs are going up. They are facing huge inflationary pressures and need to raise ticket prices and at some point, the consumer is going to say ‘okay, we’ve done our travel, and we’re done, we cannot (afford) to fly again,”

What About International Travel? 

For the most part, the increased domestic demand in the United States is driving the rise in flight prices. Although some Americans are traveling overseas after the COVID-19 pandemic—numbers are still down on pre-pandemic levels.

Therefore, international airfares purchased in the United States remain down on pre-pandemic levels. 

So travelers can still find excellent deals of flights to Europe, South America, and even the Caribbean or Mexico.

Americans looking to travel within Europe will face the same issues with flight prices. According to Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, flight prices in Europe may increase to a “high single-digit per cent.”

He said: “It seems to us that there will be higher prices into that peak summer period because there’s so much demand for the beaches of Europe and those price rises going to continue,”

The Fast Travel Rebound: How This Affects Travelers

Travel has returned back to pre-pandemic levels within North America in 2022, which is faster than many economists and travel experts expected.

In turn, this has enabled airlines to raise prices for travelers. 

However, despite the sharp rebound, travelers are witnessing enormous waiting times and issues at airports due to airlines failing to prepare for the massive travel rebound. 

There is also a massive shortage in pilots in the United States. Delta Airlines recently trimmed its summer schedule by up to 3% to enable more time between flights and a smoother service in light of the recent issues. 

Final Thoughts 

Don’t let the rise in prices put you off traveling in 2022. There are still excellent flight deals out there—especially to Mexico and Europe. 

Yes, flights are skyrocketing in the United States. But with the world finally reopening, now might be the best time to travel overseas.

Flight Cancelled? Refund Polices Of Major U.S. Airlines

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

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Ever been to Europe?

There’s something almost indescribable in regard to wandering timeless streets mesmerized by centuries-old architecture and simplistic lifestyles.

Then we come back home dying to be first in line for the latest cell phone, video games, and whatever that whole NFT craze was.

Well, unlike the U.S., which is generally depicted as just wide open spaces, bougie beaches, and sky-high modernized metropolises, there are still plenty of timeless cities to enjoy, especially during the holiday season.

Perhaps the best area for such places is the South from New Orleans, Charleston, and one of America’s most charming cities, Savannah, Georgia.

This winter, discover cheaper stays and festive streets perfect for a winter escape in a city known for ‘southern hospitality’, old-timey plazas, and a springboard to a blissful side of the Atlantic coastline.

Winter In Savannah: Enjoy Less Crowds & Cheaper Costs

There’s many reasons to visit Savannah, but this historic city was just crowned #1 on Southern Living’s new ’10 Winter Vacation Ideas’ list primarily due to crowd-free streets and the affordability factor this time of year.

There’s really not a bad time to visit Savannah unless you’d like to avoid the humidity. In that case, a summer trip may not be for you.

Wintertime brings more splendid weather, consistently in the 60s, great for venturing out to nearby islands, perusing cobbled streets, or hopping aboard a scenic river cruise like Savannah Riverboat Cruises (where they ‘guarantee the lowest prices’!).

Savannah is a popular getaway year-round, but winter is the best time to take advantage of the least of amount of crowds for easier navigation and better photo-ops.

Perhaps more importantly, you can typically score cheaper stays and even airfare on occasion, according to Southern Living.

If you prefer luxury over boutique stays, check out the following 3 hotels with great rates in December and January (including Christmas!):

• Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District – $99
• Aloft Savannah Downtown Historic District – $136
• The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa – $155

For comparison, the above hotels are all deep into the $200’s in summer, proving your bank account will thank you this winter.

Savannah’s architecture is to die for with well-preserved rows of a variety of styles from Georgian (of course!) and Greek Revival, among others.

There’s plenty of vacation rentals and converted hotels too, like the Olde Harbour Inn for true Savannah stay.

Savannah’s Festive Streets

There’s definitely a European vibe in Savannah and even more so come winter when the popular Savannah Christmas Market arrives (Nov. 21 – Dec. 31)

It’s not only the market that’s festive, however. The main parts of the city, such as always bustling River Street, are decked to the gills with holiday decor to set the mood for the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

The Historic District is already teeming with charming streets, historic homes, and the unmissable Gothic-style Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, which of course, is even more incredible to visit with the magical ambiance of Christmas.

One unique event that’s a must-see is the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (November 30th) showcasing a dazzling display of synchronized lights.

While the Christmas Market takes a page out of Europe’s playbook, the Boat Parade is true Savannah through and through along the Savannah River. and always draws a crowd.

A Multi-State Coastal Escape: Seaside Bliss Is In Close Reach

Even though Georgia borders Florida, it’s actually the Georgia-South Carolina line that’s one of the best beach spots.

While you won’t find Caribbean-esque sun this time of year, walks on the beach, kayaking, surfing, and simply finding a nice beachfront restaurant is always enjoyable.

One such place to check off all these boxes this winter is Georgia’s Tybee Island, roughly 25 minutes from Savannah.

Across the Savannah River, however, is the South Carolina state line with its own set of beautiful islands like the hidden gem of Daufuskie Island, popular vacation spot Hilton Head, and one of our Editor, Tyler’s favorite beach getaways, Fripp Island.

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Forget Paris, Barcelona, London, and the like: if you’re a digital nomad on a European quest for a better quality of life, higher levels of safety, great connectivity––and even culture––your destination may lie further East than you might have suspected at first:

Eastern Europe is brimming with digital nomads, and if Nomad List‘s ranking of Best Places to live in the Old Continent is anything to go by, all your usual Western hotspots are losing momentum as once-overlooked destinations start catching up.

4 Eastern cities in particular seem to be experiencing the biggest surge in visiting nomads, and it’s time we had a look into the why:

Prague, Czechia

The capital of formerly-socialist Czechia, Prague has a monument-packed historic center encompassing an iconic square flanked by Gothic buildings, a 15th-century bridge, ornate Baroque churches, and a hilltop castle that’s among the largest in the world.

It’s called the City of a Hundred Spires, and good luck if you’re climbing up Petrin Hill in an attempt to count all of them (we never got further than maybe 30 ourselves).

Besides its obvious timeless beauty and cultural mightiness that would appeal to Europhiles, Prague is just as enticing a prospect for digital nomads: it’s one of the highest-ranking European cities on Nomad List currently, with near-perfect scores across the board.

Nomads love it for how safe it feels compared to much of Western Europe, where cities like Paris, Barcelona, and London have seen crime increase significantly, lively social scene––Prague’s cosmopolitanism is not to be underestimated––and a myriad of laptop-friendly cafes.

That being said, it’s not one of the cheapest nomad destinations East of the divide, nor the most welcoming:

Monthly expenses total $3,038 to live in (month-long stays on Airbnb cost $1,052 – $1,611, and consumer prices have increased), and based on Nomad List reviews, the perception of racial prejudice is higher among non-European residents, but the good far outweighs the bad.

Skopje, North Macedonia

Capital of a landlocked Balkan state that, much like Czechia, also had a socialist past, Skopje is a surprisingly laid-back city traversed by a scenic river, with your usual cobbled Old Town and castle on a hill––and countless celebratory kitsch statues.

Seriously, we doubt there’s another European city with a higher concentration of sculptures per square mile than Skopje: from Alexander the Great proudly mounting his horse to the pious Mother Teresa (who was born here), there are larger-than-life icons scattered all over the place.

Naturally, taking selfies with Skopje’s infamous rows upon rows of effigies is not the main reason why nomads are coming here: North Macedonia lies both outside the European Union and the eurozone, so needless to say, bureaucracy and prices here are much lower.

1 U.S. dollar equals 56.86 Macedonian denar, and considering the national minimum wage is a mere MKD 22,567, or around $400––as reported by Wage Indicator––you can guess how much further your hard-earned IT dollars will stretch in Skopje.

We’re talking $539 per month for an apartment rental in the city center, within walking distance of all the shops, cafes and main attractions, kebabs for around $6.18 in the Old Bazaar, or $30 for a more luxurious dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant.

Affordability and the absence of strict Schengen rules seem to be the two biggest draws here, as Nomad List respondents have reported ‘fun levels’ are just ‘okay’, and nightlife as being ‘bad’, but if you ever need somewhere cheap enough to lie low for a while, look no further than quirky Skopje.

Warsaw, Poland

One of the most innovative and fastest-growing business centers in the East, Warsaw is not your typical European city with postcardy streets exuding Old World allure and the fairytale castle on a hill, but it has something the others lack:

It’s as cosmopolitan as Europe gets after London, with towering skyscrapers as far as the eyes can see, manmade parks nestled amid the concrete jungle that will evoke your fondest memories of Manhattan, and a thriving social scene only a true global capital can offer.

The visiting nomad may wonder how exactly Warsaw turned out this way when many of its counterparts are, you know, more on the quaint side of things, but the truth is, much of the historical city was destroyed by bombing in World War II.

Boom. Gone. Literally razed to the ground and rebuilt anew from the 50s onwards.

That’s why, in strolling modernism-dominated Warsaw today, you get more ‘America’ vibes than you do ‘Europe’––except it’s kept the walkability, the living standards, and (at least some) of the centuries-old culture.

Old Town Warsaw, a reconstruction of the former medieval center, boasts a high concentration of cafes and pastry shops where nomads are more than welcome to sit and unwind for a while (you may even be able to spot the odd 14th-century structure that survived the bombing).

In Mokotów, however, it’s all about the shopping centers, including one of Warsaw’s busiest at Galeria Mokotów, and the riotous nightlife: Puławska Street is where you’ll find all of the trendiest cocktail bars and brewpubs in town.

Over in Bielany, a more laid-back, calm district on the banks of the scenic Vistula River, nomads get to enjoy peaceful riverside walks and abundant green spaces, and let’s not forget offbeat Powiśle, famous for the quirky art galleries and bistro scene.

As you might have guessed, despite its amazingness that would put it on a par with all of Western Europe’s grandest city breaks, life in Warsaw costs $2,812 per month, as reported by Nomad List, and the big plus is safety:

You’d maybe expect a city as big––1.7 million residents––to be awash with crime and other deep-seated urban problems, but that certainly doesn’t apply to Warsaw, where harm is unlikely to come to you walking alone at night as a woman, and violent crime is (mostly) unheard-of.

Murphy’s law once stated that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, but this doesn’t change the fact that safety levels in Warsaw are higher, and thus your risk of being affected by crime is subsequently lower.

Tbilisi, Georgia

The rising star of Eurasia, Georgia’s Tbilisi is an ancient queen famous for its eclectic architecture, comprising periods of Persian, medieval, Imperial Russian and socialist influence, picturesque Old Town, and most recently, for reinventing itself as a nomad hub:

At present, it’s the highest-charting city in Europe on Nomad List, and to the uninformed onlooker, this might seem a bit surprising considering Georgia’s relative anonymity, but we’re here to shed some light on it:

Unlike the namesake U.S. state, this country is not exactly associated with peaches, as much as it is with wine and centuries-old Orthodox churches.

As for Tbilisi itself, it’s proof that you can have one foot in Europe and another in Asia and get the best of both worlds.

It has a distinctly European feel about it, with wide boulevards lined by stately palatial complexes and ornate building facades, and your usual landmark squares and fairytale castle on a hill, but as nomads have been glad to report, price-wise it’s, well, on a par with Central Asia.

A modest meal in a cheap downtown restaurant will cost you $10, or the equivalent in Georgian lari, whereas a more elaborate dinner for two in a chic restaurant up the high-end Bambis Rigi will probably run you up a reasonable $44.20.

As for Airbnbs, monthly rentals in Tbilisi have definitely become pricier in the last couple of years owing to the influx of nomads––and Russians and Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Eastern Europe––but there are still apartments for a surprisingly-affordable $665 – $745 per month on Airbnb.

Tbilisi’s unrivaled cafe scene is yet another compelling factor for remote workers. Places like Fabrika, Coffee LAB, and Lui Coffee cater to an international crowd and are well-equipped to host English-speaking guests.

Last but certainly not least, most nomads–and certainly Americans–can stay a whole year in Tbilisi visa-free, thanks to Georgia’s generous open-visa policy.

Learn more about it here.

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