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I’m a huge fan of low-cost airlines.

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

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

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

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

New Flight From Atlanta to Aruba 

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

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

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

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

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

Why Visit Aruba?  

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

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

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

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

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

New Flight From Atlanta to Honduras
 

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

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

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

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

Why Visit San Pedro Sula?  

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

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

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

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

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

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Mexico is famous for many things. It’s ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and delicious food immediately spring to mind.

But perhaps the most iconic Mexican attraction is the nation’s beautiful beaches.  

Mexico’s beaches offer an incredible mix of white sand, idyllic Caribbean waters, and fierce Pacific waves.

You can choose from remote beaches with nothing but seascape for miles or fully equipped beaches with bars, beach beds, and everything else you need for a great day out. 

So which are the best of the best?  

TripAdvisor has unveiled their Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches in Mexico, and these are the top five:  

5. Playa el Chileno, Cabo San Lucas 

In fifth place is Playa el Chileno, located in Cabo San Lucas.

This is considered one of the most swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, which means it attracts both families and watersports enthusiasts.  

There’s a dive shop located on the beach, so if you want to try your hand at diving or snorkeling then you’ll have everything you need on hand.  

You’ll find a lovely mix of locals and tourists here, creating a relaxed and low-key vibe.

This beach is immaculately cleaned, and the facilities are well cared for, too. It’s a great choice for a water-focused day out.  

Getting to the beach is easy, too. If you hire a car or take a taxi, the beach is a straightforward 15-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Via public transport, you can take the Supercabos bus to the beach entrance. 

4. Playa El Cielo, Cozumel 

Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches but the one that really stands out from the crowd is Playa El Cielo.  

Like all of the beaches on this list Playa El Cielo is a spectacular, visually stunning beach.

But what really makes this beach stand out from the crowd is what lies beneath.  

This is an incredible beach for snorkeling and home to an abundance of sea life. Stingrays and starfish, in particular, call this area home, but you can also find turtles here.  

It’s worth noting that the only way to get to El Cielo beach is by boat. You can take a combined boat ride and snorkeling tour of the beach with El Cielo snorkel tours.

These trips cost $69 per adult.  

3. Balandra Beach, La Paz 

Balandra Beach is a wonderfully unique horseshoe shaped beach located just outside of La Paz on the Baja California Sur peninsula.  

You’ll find crystal clear, shallow water here, so much so that you can walk from one side of the bay to the other without needing to swim.  

Its shallow waters make it a great place for swimming and snorkeling, and the rocky landscape surrounding the bay provides an incredible vantage point from which to appreciate the beauty of the undulating sand just beneath the water.  

In fact, Balandra Beach is so special and unique that, due to its natural beauty and biodiversity, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

2. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres 

Playa Norte is the main beach on Isla Mujeres, which is a small tropical island paradise just off the coast of Cancun.

This is a wide expanse of breathtakingly beautiful beach, considered one of Mexico’s most visually stunning.  

The sand here has an unusual tinge of pink as it is actually formed by crushed coral. This pink tone is even more visible at the shoreline when the sand is wet.  

One of the things that makes Playa Norte so appealing is that the water is so shallow: even if you keep wading out, it will only reach your waist.

This makes it a great spot for intergenerational vacations, as it’s great for swimming and for children to play.  

Getting to Playa Norte is a breeze too. Take a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Ultramar, which costs $14.50 per adult.  

1. Playa Delfines, Cancun 

According to TripAdvisor, Playa Delfines is officially the best beach in Mexico. It isn’t the most well-known beach in Cancun, but it’s well worth making the time to visit.  

When you imagine a picture-perfect beach, Playa Delfines is probably what you’re imagining. This is a free public beach that offers amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

In fact, it’s a rare free beach in the Hotel Zone amongst a sea of private hotel beaches.  

The sand here is a vibrant, bright white, and the water is a perfect turquoise blue. As an added bonus, this is where you’ll find the giant iconic ‘Cancun’ sign, an essential photo spot.  

Getting here is easy too. You can either jump in a taxi or if you’re on a tighter budget then the R-1, R-2, or R-27 city buses all go to the beach from downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone.  

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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Lining the coast of America’s most oddly-shaped state are 4 secret resort towns surely to peeve gatekeepers as I shine a spotlight on where locals go for a tranquil vacation without elbow-to-elbow crowds.

You might think you know Florida end to end as the “Sunshine State” is always reliable for a sunny beach getaway, but there’s still a handful of places to kick back and relax in luxury, including a brand new resort in a town you’ve likely never heard of before.

While most vacationers are scoping out quintessential Spring Break hotspots such as Panama City, Daytona Beach, and Miami (although, local authorities are cracking down on shenanigans), why follow the crowd when you can sprawl out starfish-style in paradise and best of all, you don’t have to wake up early to reserve a poolside lounger?

Kind of a jerk move anyway, no?

Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie is easier to reach than ever before lying between Palm Beach and up-and-coming Vero Beach, becoming a hotspot for budget flights with their very own Breeze Airways-anchored airport.

Home to multiple islands in arms reach that are more popular than Port St. Lucie itself, the beachside of town along the ‘Treasure Coast’ is breathtakingly beautiful, boasting conveniently spaced-out resorts like Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, a far cry from Florida’s household name destinations.

But, Port St. Lucie also holds a secret all-inclusive resort too often overlooked since it’s not technically a beach resort per se.

Formerly Club Med, the 4-star Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive Resort is nestled riverside along the St. Lucie River.

While you’ll have to skip it as a spring getaway, this resort is coming back bigger and better than ever after an extensive glow-up set to wrap up later this year.

Punta Gorda

While popular budget airline Spirit has found itself to be the butt of many jokes in 2025 due to well-documented bankruptcy filings, its competitors have made wise investments to expand their portfolio.

Allegiant Airlines not only hosts one of the coolest NFL stadiums, but also designed their very own resort in their growing Florida hub of Punta Gorda, an easy gateway to some of Florida’s top-rated beaches like Siesta Key, Clearwater, and one of my favorites, lesser-known Nokomis.

As Punta Gorda’s only resort as of now, highly-anticipated Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is open and receiving rave reviews from guests who have been delighted by this surprising waterfront escape with epic sunsets over the harbor.

While Punta Gorda isn’t a beach town, it’s certainly a worthwhile resort destination. Once you see either of the two pools, one with ground-level harbor views and the other on the rooftop, you’ll understand the hype of this place.

Duck Key

We all know Key West, but you don’t have to venture all the way down when there’s an itty bitty resort town tucked away along the famous Overseas Highway.

Duck Key features 4-star Hawks Cay Resort, which has been around for decades yet remained relatively hush-hush.

Not to show up Sunseeker, but Hawks Cay boasts 5 pools on site! Better yet, they have Tiki Beach, a great spot for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and encountering wild dolphins and sea turtles.

Truth be told, that’s about all there is to Duck Key unless you’re into deep-sea fishing excursions. Speaking of fresh catches, don’t skip Angler & Ale at the resort for a variety of seafood dishes and scenic views from the patio.

Brooksville

“Brooksville? Where is that?”, you might be thinking, and I wondered the same thing. It’s located inland roughly an hour north of Tampa and their local economy just hit the jackpot with the grand opening of Cabot Citrus Farms, the company’s first venture on U.S. soil.

While primarily seen as a golf resort with 57 holes to exaggerate your handicap, there are posh amenities and activities that suit everyone.

For example, there’s axe throwing, bass fishing, and archery to name a few. Overall, the mission of Cabot Citrus Farms is to provide a serene escape in nature, which is why they describe their resort as a ‘walking village’ with ample nature trails.

You can’t beat the accommodations either. Not only is this unique Florida resort to escape the crowds, but guests can choose between very spacious 2-bedroom to 4-bedroom cottages.

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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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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We all know Spain for its scenic Mediterranean coast, interspersed with vibrant resort cities and hugged by crystal-clear seas, but if you’ve been to the Iberian country in the past three or four years, you’ve probably noticed how shockingly expensive and busy it’s become.

From an average overnight rate of $201 in Barcelona to unsustainable levels of overtourism in the trendy vacation island of Mallorca, where anti-tourist sentiment has been dangerously brewing, we wouldn’t be the first in line to board that flight.

Luckily, there’s an exciting Spain dupe tucked away in the much more offbeat, lesser-known Southeastern corner of Europe causing quite the commotion lately, and if we must add, it’s way cheaper and less crowded:

Bulgaria Is All The Rage This Year!

When you think of Bulgaria, you probably conjure up images of wintry landscapes, Soviet-style concrete blocks, and Orthodox piousness.

While there is some truth to that, something most people don’t know is that it turns into a summer paradise in the warmer months.

Were you even aware that Bulgaria’s coastline on the Black Sea extends for an uninterrupted 235 miles and is lined with quaint beach towns that just couldn’t be further apart from the stereotypical grayed-out, war-torn version of Eastern Europe?

Or that, for instance, it’s about as warm as the Mediterranean, if not warmer?

We kid you not:

Some cities along the coast have an average daily maximum of 84.2°F and lows of 66.2°F, and if you’re pondering whether to pack an extra jumper or two ‘just in case’ it gets chilly, baby, you better save space in your carry-on for some more swim shorts instead.

Not to brag, but no other travel news website stays on top of travel trends like Travel Off Path, and we reported a couple of years ago on how the Black Sea is a new Mediterranean in the making, and we’re glad to see others are finally catching on:

Why This Lesser-Known Country Is So Trendy Right Now

• It’s cheaper
• It’s beautiful
• It’s not as crowded

This year, The New York Times featured this part of the world in their list of ‘best places to travel’ in 2025, while CEO for Europe-based travel agency TUI was recorded stating Bulgaria ‘could rival holiday hotspots such as Mallory and Menorca’ in summer.

Newcomers are also taking to social media in droves to showcase Bulgaria’s beauty: on TikTok alone, the hashtag #bulgaria alone has racked up over 2.5 million posts.

Users will share their captures of sandy beaches, sleepy coastal villages that seem frozen in time, and stunning nature yet to meet the spoils of mass tourism.

Some of the most popular TikTok’s, however, refer to Bulgaria’s affordability as a beach destination, compared to Spain, Italy or Greece.

This post by TikTok user @heroiisa in particular highlights Varna as an inexpensive summer getaway, where accommodation prices range from only $8 to $30-a-night, meals cost between $5 and $12 in local restaurants, and the beaches look untarnished, with crystal-clear waters:

@heroiisa

BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE TO VARNA, BULGARIA✈️ Varna is one of the best places to visit when you are young and on a budget!✨ All prices are in USD and based on a realistic budget for BUDGET travelers in Varna, Bulgaria💸 🏨Accommodation: $8 to $30/night per person if you stay in a hostel dorm or share an apartment or a double room in a cheap guesthouse/hotel with someone. This depends on the season, the lower end of the prices is for shoulder season (April-June or September-October) and the higher end for high season (July-August). 🍛Food: there are plenty of options for $5 to $12/meal. If you cook, you can do it even cheaper than this! ☀️Activities: $0-20 depending on what you want to do! I didn’t spend much money on activities in Varna because there are many free things to do but there are also some paid activities you can do depending on your budget. 🚌Getting there: You can get to Varna by bus or train from other popular Bulgarian destinations and cities like Sofia, Burgas, or Plovdiv. Bus and train tickets depend on the route but are usually very affordable ($2-12). ✈️Flights: When it comes to flights, you can fly into Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna from many European cities with Ryanair or Wizz Air and then take public transportation to Varna. It’s also an option to fly somewhere else in the Balkans and take public transportation from there if you have time for a longer trip.

♬ boom clap speed up – 𝟑𝟎𝟑 rostaaa🪐

That’s an account by a single traveler, but Budget Your Trip, our own preferred platform for tracking prices across different countries, corroborates that Bulgaria is indeed on the cheaper end when it comes to summer destinations.

More specifically, tourists will spend an average $27 on meals per day, unless they’re traveling luxuriously (in that case, they should budget $73), and $72 on hotels, for total week-long travel expenses of $1,076 for two people (or the equivalent in Bulgarian lev).

Where To Go In Bulgaria In Summer?

• Sunny Beach
• Nessebar
• Varna
• Burgas
• Sveti Vlas

There are countless world-class destinations to pick from if you’re skipping Spain and heading to Bulgaria this year.

If you seek Old World charm and culture, visit the picture-perfect, cobbled Nessebar. This walled city occupies the end of a narrow peninsula and has a rich history dating back several millennia and comprising periods of Thracian, Greek, and Roman rule.

Its ensemble of Byzantine churches and fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the hotel-lined South Beach, a short drive from the Old Town, has been awarded Blue Flag status, owing it to its cleanliness.

Looking for a traditional beach getaway instead, Mallorca-style?

Sunny Beach is not an island, though it is, as the name indicates, a sun-drenched resort development unfolding along an azure Black Sea packed with beach bars, where beer costs as cheap as $2, and a waterfront 3-star Hotel Zaara will only set you back by $35-a-night.

Keen on an all-inclusive deal instead?

HI Hotels Imperial Resort has nightly rates from a shockingly affordable $80 this June, all meals included, and access to all resort areas, including the pool and fitness center.

We’re not going to lie to you: Sunny Beach can get a bit crowded in summer, not due to an influx of foreign tourists but due to its popularity with Bulgarians (and the neighboring Romanians) themselves. So, for some peace and quiet and more exclusivity, there’s Sveti Vlas to the northeast.

A laid-back yacht marina boasting a plethora of dining options, and several long miles of untouched fine, golden sands, it has 5-star hotels from $66 per night––check out the Garden of Eden Complex.

For a city break, our top picks are Burgas and Varna, the largest conurbations on the Bulgarian coast, and two bustling Black Sea ports famous for their ancient heritage––even the Starbucks in Varna is built on top of Roman relics!––and thriving nightlife.

They’re also the gateway to the coast, hosting low-cost flights from numerous European destinations in the high season, starting in May.

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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Last Updated 6 mins ago

If you want to spend your spring break sunbathing on a stunning tropical beach, then Southwest has got you covered, especially if you live in or around Nashville!  

The airline has launched two brand new flights from Nashville to tropical beach destinations just in time for the start of spring. Both flights will launch on March 8 and are seasonal flights that won’t run in the winter months.  

The destinations?

You can now choose to fly from Nashville to either Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic or Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.  

Here’s everything you need to know about these new flight routes.  

Brand New Options From Nashville  

From March 8 2025 you can fly nonstop between Nashville and Punta Cana as well as Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos.

Initially, these nonstop flights will only operate on Saturdays, meaning that you will be able to take week-long vacations in the sun, but you can’t use these flights to plan shorter getaways.  

Southwest already offers a nonstop route from Nashville to Cancun, but these two new routes will give people in the area even more convenient options for their next international vacation.  

The all-important question when any new international service is launched is how much will it cost! Both of these flight routes are already available to book on the Southwest Airlines website.  

Firs,t I looked at the prices for a nonstop return flight from Nashville to Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos. These flights are from Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29, shortly after this new route launches.  

The outbound flight currently costs $582, and the inbound flight currently costs $543. Meaning the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,124, including taxes and fees.  

If you’d rather enjoy the complete relaxation offered by island life then I also looked at the price for tickets between Nashville and Punta Cana. This must be the more popular route because economy tickets were sold out for the March dates I looked at above.  

These prices are based on flights from Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, April 12. The outbound flight currently costs $454 and the inbound flight currently costs $632.

This means the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,086, including taxes and fees.  

The ticket prices for these two new flight routes are very similar, so ticket price needn’t be a factor in which destination you choose.  

It’s worth noting that these prices are based on a ‘Wanna Get Away’ ticket, which is the cheapest economy flight ticket offered by Southwest Airlines.

This ticket is non-refundable, and you will also have to pay extra to select your seats. But two bags are included for free with all Southwest tickets.   

Punta Cana or Los Cabos?  

If you’re an international globe trotter, then you might be able to visit Los Cabos and Punta Cana this year. But if you only have the time (and the cash!) to visit one of these destinations, which one is best for you?

Both destinations are tropical paradises with spectacular white sand beaches.  

But while the landscapes in Punta Cana are fringed with palm trees and tropical jungle, you’ll find desert views (and the dry desert climate to go with it) in Los Cabos.  

Both destinations are blessed with excellent all-inclusive resorts, but if you’re on a tight budget, you’re likely to find a wider range of budget accommodations and restaurants in Punta Cana than you will in Los Cabos.

Los Cabos is a famously luxurious and high-end destination, so this is a better option if you’re looking for opulence at any price.  

Looking to party the night away? Punta Cana should be your first choice. The nightlife here is incredibly vibrant. There are plenty of nightlife options and a lively party atmosphere in the town.  

By contrast, the nightlife in Los Cabos focuses on chic rooftop lounges and high-end restaurants. Both options are a lot of fun, but Punta Cana is better suited to a younger party-ready crowd.  

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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It’s a challenge in today’s world to find anything truly free, often inciting thoughts of “what’s the catch?” and rightfully so.

With taxes, sneaky fees, and “gotcha” tactics, travelers often have to hawk-eye anything deemed ‘free’.

But Thailand is ready to showcase a lesser-known beach destination. In turn, doing so for free. Best of all, there is no catch per se, rather select dates to hop aboard a scenic train ride to escape the city grind of Bangkok in favor of a lesser-known idyllic beach paradise.

As icons like Phuket and the surging island of Koh Samui have seen hordes of unsightly crowds flock to their shores, it’s time to give under-hyped Hua Hin a chance.

What better way than doing so at no cost?

Better yet, once you arrive, you’ll discover Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s cheapest beach destinations!

Free Ride Aside, Why Visit Hua Hin?

Hua Hin is located within Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province and is teeming with many of the same attractions that other major cities and beach hotspots behold.

The main difference is Hua Hin is largely off mainstream travelers’ radar, leaving a truly authentic destination waiting to be explored.

For example, it’s been reported Phuket is ‘wall to wall’ full of people as 2024’s most crowded destination, so who would want to have a bunch of fellow tourists cramping your space when you’re supposed to be enjoying one of the world’s most acclaimed paradises?

That’s where Hua Hin makes for a great alternative, and we all know 2025 is destined to be a year full of discovering lookalikes as many destinations deal with overtourism concerns.

In Hua Hin, you’re not sacrificing a lackluster experience. In fact, you’re only enhancing it. Here are 5 must-visit sites to check out:

• Hua Hin Beach – long stretches of soft sand and vivid blue waters; great for swimming, lounging, and various water sports
• Phraya Nakhon Cave – the ultimate expedition for nature lovers; boasts a royal pavilion inside that will make you feel immersed in an Indiana Jones film
• Cicada Market – a buzzing night market teeming with goodies ranging from piping hot street noodles to local artisan crafts
• Moonsoon Valley – wine country in Thailand? You bet!
• Huay Mongkol Temple – a towering temple surrounded by peaceful scenery; home to one of Thailand’s largest statues

Stay At Luxe Resorts & Beachside Guesthouses On The Cheap

In a world where dollar stores are now $1.25 stores, it’s safe to say supply and demand can be a real doozy on the wallet.

Finding hotels is no different, but Hua Hin offers great stays with nightly rates cheaper than your weekly coffee budget.

This spring, you can easily find resorts and beachside guesthouses for unbelievable prices.

How about Karoon Hut Guest House set beachside for just $21? Or leveling up at the chic Stardust Boutique Hotel for $29?

Still have some wiggle room? Okay, check out waterfront villas at The Yana Villas Hua Hin for just $88, or cash out your points at either Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa or Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa.

There’s truly something for everyone, from solo travelers with tight pockets to vacationers seeking to pamper themselves.

All Aboard! Welcome To The Vana Nava Express Train

If you find yourself in Bangkok but have had enough of pollution, crowded streets, and the world’s strangest ping-pong games, then it sounds like you’re in the market for a free ride to the beach.

The free train (#43) leaves for Hua Hin from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 7:30am every Saturday and Sunday until March 30.

The full one-way journey takes approximately 3 hours, so you’ll arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the day beachside, market-hopping, or taking it easy at an aforementioned resort.

Along the ride, passengers are provided with free snacks, souvenirs, and even a towel as a keepsake.

Don’t worry; it’s not to cool down from the heat. The train is equipped with air conditioning.

How To Book Your Free Train Ride

According to Thaiger, these are the 3 steps to book your free train ride:

1. Visit the official train carrier website
2. Choose “General Customer”
3. Follow prompts

Keep in mind, booking is only open every Thursday from 7am to Friday at 3pm.

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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The Caribbean may be the number one destination for Americans going on a sunny break in winter, but for some, it’s not without its downsides:

Cancun, Punta Cana, and the like are all primariliy resort destinations you go for relaxing, taking a breather, and some week-long pampering, and though they are indisputably incredible on the luxury tourism front, the cultural offer is infamously lacking.

With a growing number of U.S. passport holders now actively seeking cultural immersions when away from home, as opposed to lounging by the pool all day, the usual beach hotspot may not exactly fit their criteria for a more meaningful experience.

There are plenty of exceptions to the rule, of course, with 4 incredible Caribbean destinations boasting not only palm tree-lined sands and turquoise seas but also mind-blowing sights.

If we may add, they’re all a short 2-4 hour flight away from major U.S. hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and others:

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The bustling capital of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated U.S. territory U.S. citizens can travel to passport-free, San Juan is a cultural treasure dating back to the time of Spanish rule, which, similarly to Santo Domingo, has retained much of its Old World allure.

The main attraction here is Old San Juan, a maze of cobble-covered streets and tree-shaded plazas flanked by brightly-colored edifices that will make you feel more like being in Southern Europe, proper, than somewhere in the Caribbean.

The towering Bautista Cathedral serves as the final resting place for Juan Ponce de León, a renowned Spanish explorer, and the Old Town is still surrounded by city walls, making San Juan one of a handful of colonial cities in the Americas to have this feature.

Needless to say, there are countless beaches and swimming spots within a short distance of the picture-perfect historic center, with a sandy Condado Beach, lined with restaurants and high-rises, and El Escambrón, a well-frequented snorkeling area, to name a couple.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The often-overlooked capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the oldest European city in the Americas and a bustling metropolis best known for its cobbled Zona Colonial, with buildings dating as far back as the 1500s, surrounded by UNESCO-listed ramparts and towers.

Its towering cathedral is the first built by the Spaniards upon their initial incursion into the New World, while Plaza de España is the city’s colonial centerpiece, housing a monumental Alcázar de Colón palace and a number of casual, charming cafes.

Minus the buzzing traffic, exotic smells emanating from the stall-lined Mercado Modelo, and the fact it’s a little rough around the edges, you could easily be led to believe Santo Domingo is just another postcard town in Spain, but that’s not to say old stones is all it has to offer.

With up-and-coming Boca Chica and its largely undeveloped, sun-kissed shores being a short half-hour drive from the historic center, where beachfront stays start from $63, it is a budget-friendly alternative to a pricey Punta Cana or increasingly expensive La Romana.

Cartagena, Colombia

Lining the sun-drenched Caribbean shores of Northern Colombia, Cartagena ticks all the boxes for what makes a culture-infused sunny break great: it has the postcard-ready colonial core, the inviting street food scene, and even pristine islands just off its mainland.

If you’re going to Cartagena this winter, you should take your time strolling its monument-packed fortified Old Town, filled with 16th-century squares, street food stalls strewn along cobblestone alleys, and ornate Baroque churches, as well as walking the impressive ramparts.

Thanks to its tropical weather, Cartagena is great for water-based activities, and one could argue no visit is complete without an island-hopping adventure: in that case, this 5-island boat tour around the Rosario archipelago is a must-do, costing only $75.66.

Now, if you’re keen on seafood, you can’t miss out on Pezetarian‘s sushi tacos: not exactly traditional, but one of Cartagena’s culinary highlights, nonetheless; as for authentic Colombian food, Reina Arepa probably serves the yummiest arepas in town, starting from a single dollar.

Tulum, Mexico

A trendy resort town straddling the turquoise Mexican Caribbean, Tulum may be best known for its luxury hotels, party scene and shop-bordered Quinta Avenida, but if it’s ancient culture you’re coming all the way down to Mexico for, then it’s ancient culture you’ll get:

It is home to the sprawling, 13th-century Tulum National Park, an archeological zone comprising the iconic cliffside Castillo, a Mayan watchtower overlooking the Caribbean, and many smaller temples, including the landmark, mural-clad Templo de las Pinturas.

The Tulum Ruins ranks among the most popular in the Yucatán Peninsula for tourists to immerse themselves in the region’s rich past, though they’re not the only ones accessible from Tulum: for instance, the equally-beautiful Cobá is a 45-minute drive inland.

This winter, Americans flying directly to Tulum Airport can use the opportunity to board the newly-launched Teen Maya, a scenic train traveling on a loop around Yucatán and calling at Tulum to discover many more Mayan sites, undisturbed native settlements, and colonial towns.

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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They did it! For the first time in recorded history, the sun-drenched paradise that is the Dominican Republic has recorded its 11th million annual visitor in 2024, over a million more than in 2023.

Needless to say, the surge in arrivals has been led by a wide margin by Punta Cana, the leading resort town on the easternmost tip of the island and every American’s go-to destination in winter––that is, if they’re not going to Cancun.

If you’re wondering how Punta Cana keeps building on its popularity year after year, to the point it’s arguably the number one destination in the Caribbean this winter, here are 6 reasons why:

Cheap Flights From America

The excellent flight connectivity plays a huge part in Punta Cana’s popularity with Americans: no matter where you live Stateside, you’re likely to be a short 1-2 hour drive away from an airport that offers flights to the resort hotspot.

If that does not apply, your regional airport is surely connected to one of the 20 larger hubs hosting Punta Cana flights.

These include major airports like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and Miami (MIA), with airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier, among many more, selling tickets from only $85, as seen on Kayak.

Picture-Perfect Beaches

Then there’s the fact Punta Cana is home to some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the Caribbean.

Lying adjacent to Playa Bavaro, in the eastern Dominican Republic, it forms the wider Costa del Coco, or Coconut Coast, a stretch of coastline strewn with palm-tree-dotted white sands and bordered by gin-colored seas.

The area is literally packed with swimming sites catering to a diverse audience:

The peaceful Playa Blanca has laid-back restaurants, plenty of room to lie in the sun, and serene waters; are you a surfer and water sports enthusiast? Macao Beach is the place to be, with its tube-shaped waves and youthful atmosphere.

Now, if you love Cancun’s Hotel Zone for the buzzing shopping scene and nightlife, and you’d like to check out Punta Cana’s version of it this way, Carretera Cabeza de Toro runs parallel to a well-frequented beach, and it’s lined with shops and seafood restaurants.

Pick Your All-Inclusive!

It isn’t a Caribbean vacation if there isn’t some pampering involved.

Similarly to other leisure destinations in the turquoise sea, Punta Cana boasts a high concentration of luxury resorts with a wide range of prices, whether you’re simply looking for somewhere comfortable enough to sleep and within walking distance of the beach or an all-inclusive.

For the former, Aventura Villas Los Carales is a great alternative to the pricier resorts, with overnight rates of $154 for a Deluxe Suite with ocean views, an outdoor pool for all guests, and 9 restaurants in the premises of the accommodation.

If all-inclusive’s your way to travel, the award-winning Royalton CHIC Punta Cana is a solid pick, with a private beach, 7 restaurants on-site, a lagoon-style pool, and spa facilities––not to mention all of the endless food and sumptuous breakfast buffet for $390-a-night.

Other 5 incredible hotels in Punta Cana include:

Dominican Culture

Besides living it up in luxurious resorts, immersing themselves in Dominican culture is just as appealing to tourists.

While Punta Cana is not necessarily great for sightseeing, serving primarily as a beach destination, there’s nothing stopping you from using it as a base to explore other parts of Hispaniola island:

The overlooked capital, Santo Domingo, is a colonial-era gem and the oldest city founded by Europeans in the Americas, distinguished by a UNESCO-protected historic center, 16th-century fortifications, and ornate churches.

This day tour of Santo Domingo leaving from Punta Cana is the easiest and safest way to discover the historically-significant city, from $75.

Alternatively, you can visit a monkey sanctuary in the Dominican jungle, as well as plantation fields dating back to the period of colonial rule ($95), take a catamaran ferry to unspoiled Saona Island ($97), or enjoy a food sampling tour in Punta Cana itself (for only $8).

Great Food All Around

Though not as widely popular in America as Mexican or Cuban, Dominican food is just as delicious as their Caribbean counterparts, and Punta Cana has its fair share of amazing restaurants, both in and outside resort premises.

Don’t leave without trying Bandera Dominican (Dominican Flag), the national dish, combining white rice, beans, and stewed chicken, beef or pork, sancocho, the meat-heavy Caribbean stew, and any of the lemon-sprayed, freshly-caught fish.

Venturing outside your hotel?

Some of the top-rated restaurants in town are La Tiendita, a 4.5-star-reviewed steakhouse, La Yola, a Caribbean-Mediterranean fusion serving delicious lobster risotto, and Jellyfish Beach Restaurant, famous for their fillet mignon.

Punta Cana Resorts Are Safe For Tourists

Last but certainly not least, Punta Cana is a low-risk destination for Americans vacationing abroad: between the luxury resorts and their crime-free beaches and the well-surveilled downtown, violent crime affecting visitors in this part of the island is almost unheard-of.

That being said, you shouldn’t lower your guard if venturing out of your resort: make sure your valuables are kept in a hotel safe, and only take out your phone to take pictures if the surroundings feel safe enough.

Other parts of the Dominican Republic may be less safe than Punta Cana’s resort strip, such as Santo Domingo, where petty crime and even violent crime occur at higher rates.

For that reason, you’re advised to refer to the official U.S. travel advice.

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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Now that the hassle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday have died down, winter plans are in full force.

As your electric bill continues to spike as you put your heater to good use, a better way to splurge is to book a sunny getaway.

How about an often-overlooked Texas coastal city with easy flight options, 70-degree beach days, and 100 miles of shorelines?

While many travelers flock to Florida as their beach destination of choice, you can experience fewer crowds and cheaper stays in one of the South’s most underrated escapes.

Corpus Christi is a vibrant city with a fascinating history ranging from pop icon tragedies to military might.

Better yet, the coast is a never-ending playground for all things beach-related: lounging, fishing, camping, you name it, or simply bringing the whole crew along for a warm winter vacation.

Corpus Christi‘s Surprising Urban Treasures

If you’ve never visited Corpus Christi, you may be surprised to find a towering skyline and revamped downtown district.

Those who’ve never paid a visit have probably heard of Corpus, but it’s often discussed as a small town.

That’s not the case. Over 300,000 people call this underrated beach haven home with 3 major airlines serving Corpus Christi International Airport.

Multiple downtown hotels have been given new life as well as a laundry list of new businesses slated to open.

No longer is downtown Corpus an urban ghost town; there’s plenty to see and do. Of course, you can’t explore downtown without taking a nice stroll along the 1.5 mile long ‘Seawall‘ lining Shoreline Blvd.

While downtown doesn’t boast the region’s nicest beach, it’s a great starting point at the very least. Overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, you can’t help but notice numerous Navy ships, which may pique your interest in touring the U.S.S. Lexington Museum ($20.95 admission).

This captivating ship is just scratching the surface of Corpus’ attractions as you can also visit:

• The Art Museum of South Texas
• Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
• South Texas Botanical Gardens
• Tejano Civil Rights Museum

Most notably, however, would be the Selena Museum, a tribute to the life of Corpus Christi’s very own Selena, a world-famous pop star tragically killed in her hometown in 1995.

Budget Travel Tip: Check out Corpus Christi’s recently updated list of ‘15 Free Things To Do‘.

100 Miles Of Shores

If you’re trying to narrow down your vacation options, let this be a selling point – 100 miles of shores.

Some more remote and spacious than others, there’s no question you’ll find a beach that matches your vibe.

If you drive to Corpus or rent a car, there are multiple beaches allowing vehicles with a permit. One of many reasons why both Mustang Island State Park ($7 admission) and Padre Island National Seashore ($10 admission) are the most popular beach getaways around here.

One that’s a sleeper, however, is JP Luby Beach – home to soft white sand, great surfing conditions, and evening campfires.

Although, a secret beach town beloved by Texans statewide is nearby Rockport. Offering a mix of small-town charm, historical sites, and idyllic coastlines, booking a Gulfside vacation rental here is never a bad idea.

Great Food And Affordable Stays

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and you’ll quickly see why when you dine out. It

It’s no different in Corpus, except the Texas-sized portions you’ll find are more of the seafood variety than quintessential barbecue and Mexican food.

Not to mention Texas’ favorite burger chain, Whataburger, which started right here in Corpus. There’s even a replica of the original storefront you can snap a selfie with.

As great (and humungous) as their burgers may be, my favorite eatery to pig out is Fajitaville.

Just as it sounds, order fajitas beachside at what’s essentially the ‘Fajita’ version of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (but there are no ties).

And after you delight your tastebuds in Corpus’ delicious food scene, you’ll need a place to relax and recharge.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 hotels in Corpus Christi this winter: (ranked by value):

1. Omni Corpus Christi Hotel (my favorite!)
2. Hyatt Place Corpus Christi
3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi
4. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Corpus Christi
5. Hotel De Ville

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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As the general hordes of holiday shoppers are in full force, we can surely all relate to avoiding crowds.

Whether it’s opting for Uber Eats, Amazon Prime, or traveling to places you didn’t know existed, the common denominator is all the same.

When it comes to Thailand, two places you want to avoid for these types of frustrations are definitely Phuket and Bangkok, albeit the latter is an urban sprawl, making it easier to find your inner Zen as needed.

Phuket, on the other hand, has been dealing with overtourism concerns, so that may be the last Thai beach paradise you’ll want to find yourself in to unwind.

The good news for you is there are many tranquil spots along Thailand’s mainland shores and numerous postcard-worthy islands.

Lonely Planet just highlighted a pair of such places – one on the mainland, along with a gorgeous island you may have never heard of.

Best of all, they’re both very affordable, virtually untouched, and studded with idyllic beachside bungalows up and down the pristine shores.

Ko Wai: Thailand’s Unspoiled Island Escape

The island life is appealing to all of us, and when it comes to Thailand, there seems to be a never-ending list of off-shore paradises from which to choose.

Lonely Planet showcased Ko Wai as one of the best alternatives to Thailand’s resort-lined beaches rather than embracing the unknown of unspoiled coastlines with traditional bungalows.

Before Thailand became a global icon where vacationers flock to the urban delights of Bangkok or the pristine beaches of numerous destinations, the latter looked a lot like Ko Wai.

Coming here now can be seen as a time capsule, especially as prices are still ridiculously low and landscapes virtually untouched.

Long-held local traditions are still in effect, so don’t expect to see billboard eyesores, mega cruise ships, or towering resorts.

Ko Wai perfectly sums up one of Thailand’s most popular types of travelers: those of us ballin’ on a budget!

Ranging anywhere from $15 to $45, check out Koh Wai Paradise, home to 30 thatched-roof bungalows or slightly cheaper Good Feeling Bungalows, where one recent visitor claimed it’s ‘Heaven on earth’.

Golden Beaches & Traditional Stays: Welcome To Bang Saphan Yai

Turns out Bangkok isn’t the only Thai getaway to go out with a ‘Bang’.

Bang Saphan Yai isn’t a place you’ll see highlighted in bold on the map like the country’s staples of Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.

Small yet mighty in terms of untamed beauty, this quaint beach town is located in the trendy Prachuap Khiri Khan province, yet this side remains hush-hush for locals to enjoy.

Lonely Planet mentioned ‘sublime sunsets’ overpowering golden beaches lined with bamboo huts, and while bearing witness to the fiery skies is certainly a must, there’s a lot more to make your trip worthwhile.

One such way for an epic adventure is to take a $4 train from Bangkok to Hua Hin and make your way down by bus or train on 12Go.

The coastal views are a sight to behold and a far cry from beach crowds elsewhere, as this tranquil side of the country is a whole different vibe.

Upon arrival, there are ample beaches to scout for endless bliss in the sunshine, especially if bungalows are more your jam than ritzy resorts.

This is not to say that these traditional-style stays are run-down by any means, but don’t expect swim-up bars and silver platter room service.

And if you must visit an island, tour operators can make arrangements to visit lesser-known Ko Thalu. But, with idyllic huts, sensory overload markets, and snorkeling and kayaking the turquoise waters as options, there’s no harm in staying on the mainland.

Check out Sangjun On Beach Resort, which has $25 beachside bungalows with top reviews claiming, ‘Big balcony with a fantastic view of the ocean’ and ‘If you want absolute peace and quiet, this is the place for you’.

New Thailand Rule For U.S. Travelers

On the one hand, Thailand has done Americans a favor by extending their visa-free allowance to 2 months rather than the prior 30 days.

But now, there’s a new annoyance – dreaded forms!

That’s right; all Americans crossing into Thailand beginning in December have to fill out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance, but the good news is there are no fees.

For deeper insight and peace of mind to ensure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s, check out our recent article covering the new entry rules and benefits.

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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