Cheap Flights & Coastal Delights: Discover America’s Most Underrated Summer Escape

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Wanna know where to go on the cheap this summer? Me too!

I don’t know about you, but Tax Day had me seeing red. Call me stubborn, but fewer commas in my bank account won’t stop me from seeing the world.

As you know, many of the global icons we’ve all fallen in love with, such as London, Paris, and our very own New York City, come at premium prices, driving us to venture off to the lesser-known.

Evening view of Wilmington, NC skyline

Skyscanner just released its ‘Smarter Summer Report‘—emphasis on “smarter.” The truth is many travelers waste their hard-earned cash with spur-of-the-moment decisions, like waiting until the last second to book a trip or not looking at alternative dates.

But Skyscanner has done all the research for us, revealing that one of America’s most underrated beach towns has the cheapest flights in the nation.

Better yet, once you arrive, you won’t have to break the bank either with affordable stays and fun, low-cost activities.

Wilmington, NC: Average Summer Airfare Is Only $105

Horse carriage ride - downtown Wilmington, NC

You can barely have a nice night out anymore without hitting triple digits. My last date night totaled $86 with a tip, and that was just happy hour!

When it comes to traveling, it’s hard to believe round-trip airfare anywhere can average a smidge over $100, but that’s the case for Wilmington, North Carolina, not to be confused with another cheap East Coast city, Wilmington, Delaware.

North Carolina’s coastal gem flies under the radar from the busy hub of Charlotte, the epic comeback of Asheville, and perhaps the trendiest coastline in the country, thanks to the popular Netflix show of the same name, The Outer Banks.

Aerial view of Wilmington, NC at night

Isolated from the vast space of map-dot towns making up a swath of barrier islands, Wilmington is not an Outer Banks beach. It offers a more charming aesthetic and city feel, and its own cluster of beautiful beaches within close reach.

According to Skyscanner’s ‘Explore’ feature, these 10 cities have nonstop flights under $125 round-trip in June before summer temps hit their peak in July:

  • Washington D.C. ($70)
  • Nashville ($74)
  • Detroit ($78)
  • Tampa ($97)
  • Rochester ($105)
  • Orlando ($108)
  • Houston ($112)
  • Minneapolis ($113)
  • New Haven ($119)
  • Providence ($120)

Downtown Delights: A Blissful “Riverwalk” & Historic Attractions

Boat docked along Wilmington Riverwalk

Unless much of the Outer Banks, Wilmington offers visitors a balanced mix of urban delights and quintessential southern hospitality, all while being a stone’s throw from vibrant blue-water beaches.

To be frank, Wilmington’s skyline is a little lackluster, but don’t let the drab colors deter you from experiencing the joys of downtown.

The Riverwalk is downtown’s heartbeat with a bustling pedestrian promenade and scenic waterfront views snaking down the Cape Fear River with sensational seafood eats, killer breweries, boat tours, and some unexpected thrills like the Museum of the Bizarre ($3 admission).

wilmington nc

All in all, the buzzing Riverwalk is home to 200 shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Of course, with such splendid summertime weather, there are ample ways to enjoy the outdoors, but locals’ favorite to simply grab a patio seat at such popular hangouts like Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp to enjoy a fresh catch and sweeping waterfront views.

Wilmington is far from flashy, so don’t expect prices to be out of control. For example, even a Wine Tasting Cruise along Cape Fear only costs $45.

In fact, Wilmington is one of the most under-appreciated cities in the South in terms of all the fascinating historical sites, whether it be the 230-plus block National Register Historic District or Battleship North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Wondrous Coast

Pier and blue water at Wrightsville Beach

Downtown may boast the scenic river, but going east of the city are the real gems of lesser-known beaches and unheard-of islands.

Wrightsville Beach is arguably the most sought-after and easiest to reach, but surrounding Wrightsville lies barrier island sanctuaries and celebrity-favored hideaways, known as the “Hamptons of the South”.

Wrightsville is the best choice for a nice beachfront stay if you want to wake up to views of the Atlantic rather than cozy cafes dotting downtown. However, coastal prices are a far cry from downtown’s double-digit rates for chain hotels.

Beautiful view of Wrightsville Beach

4-star Trailborn Surf & Sound is going for $375 this June and July, 3-star Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach goes for even more at $431 per night, compared to downtown’s 5-star Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection going for just $108 this summer.

Maybe Uber to the beach?

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Escape The Winter Blues! Here Are 5 Of The Hottest Digital Nomad Destinations Right Now

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With temperatures plunging across the Northern Hemisphere and parts of the United States and Europe bracing for freezing weather, it’s no wonder people are eager to escape to a land of forever summer, especially if they’re digital nomads:

Aerial View Of Wat Arun In Bangkok, Thailand

Lounging on a sandy beach under an umbrella as they sip a tropical drink, partly relaxing, partly catching up with work, to the gentle sound of crashing waves in the distance, seems to be the end goal of every remote worker…

Not being locked up at home in their suburban home or big city apartment as rain pours outside.

Romantic for some, a literal prison for others: well, thanks to new research published by Printful, featured on Startups UK, you needn’t look further if it’s an escape from the winter blues you’re desperately craving.

Here are 5 of the (literal) hottest digital nomad destinations right now:

Jakarta, Indonesia

Panoramic View Of Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesia may be most sought-after for its paradisiacal Bali, but its capital Jakarta should not be so quickly dismissed: the complete opposite, it is a sprawling metropolis best known for its diverse architecture and fast-paced city life.

On a cultural level, it’s a mix of native Asian, Arab and European influences, with a Dutch-build Old Town, a vibrant Chinatown (Glodok), and ornate mosques composing the cityscape, and as it pertains to nomads, the affordability and balmy temps are the main attraction.

As the study indicates, the average temperatures from November to March are 79°F, and the cost of living is $608 a month: you can eat for as cheap as $3, get a monthly gym pass for $29, and rent a 1-bedroom apartment in a residential area for roughly $265 (Numbeo).

Manila, Philippines

Manila Cathedral, Philippines

Over in the Philippines, Manila ranks as the fourth hottest destination this winter, distinguished by its skyscraper-dotted business districts and a Spanish-colonial Old Manila, a walled historic center filled with Baroque churches and European-style forts.

Other than the uniqueness of character, with an architectural style that is far more common in Latin America, Manila is on track to become a ‘workcation’ hub due to offering a comfortable lifestyle to dollar-earning nomads:

According to the research, you’ll get set back by $615 per month living in Manila, owing it to the cheap food prices ($5 for a meal in a local restaurant) and inexpensive rent (from $235)––oh, and if you’re wondering what to pack, it’s 80°F out.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Tourists Taking Pictures As They Admire A Train Going Past A Narrow Street In Hanoi, Vietnam, Southeast Asia.jpg

The cultural and administrative capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is an unlikely combination of French buildings dating back to the colonial period, Buddhist pagodas and Chinese temples, and communist-style Brutalist monuments.

With buzzing streets lined with food stalls, merchant shops, and charming cafes serving world-famous Vietnamese coffee and catering to an international clientele, it’s no surprise Hanoi ranks as one of the top 3 cities for nomads in 2025.

Finally, as Startups UK remarks, Hanoi is also not as unpleasantly hot and humid as its Southeast Asian counterparts, with an average temperature of 66°F, not to mention its inexpensiveness, with the cost of living per month being roughly $624.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

royal palace phnom penh cambodia

Yet another Southeast Asian capital, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s heart and soul, sitting at the junction of two historic rivers, the Mekong and Tonlé Sap, with a walkable riverfront interspersed with lush parks, traditional eateries, and stately monuments.

Two of Cambodia’s most-visited tourist attractions are located on Phnom Penh’s river promenade, namely the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and not far from the fast-flowing watercourse, the colonial art deco Central Market is great for street food.

With 81 degrees in winter and living costs under $770 a month, it is one of the world’s new trendiest nomad hotspots, and it probably helps that getting a visa to stay in Cambodia for 30 days is easy if you’re an American: it’s fully online, and it costs $30.

Bangkok, Thailand

Young Woman Admiring The View Of A Historic Temple In Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia

It’s a recurring theme at this point that Bangkok, Thailand ranks at the top of every digital nomad list we published: regarding both affordability and pleasant temperatures between November and March, this would be no exception.

The most popular destination for remote work globally, as seen on Nomads, Bangkok ticks all the boxes, from the vibrant nightlife to the multicultural scene and then the culture, with magnificent stupas and royal palaces and overall budget-friendliness.

Printful notes that the average high temperature is 87.8, with minimal rainfall as this is not monsoon season, and if you’re on a strict budget, you can easily call Bangkok home while leading a comfortable life on earnings of $876 a month.

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Escape To Luxury: Live Like Royalty At This All-Inclusive Punta Cana Beach Resort With A Secret Pool

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People opt for all-inclusive resorts for a variety of different reasons.

For some, it’s the endless amounts of food and drinks; others spend countless hours poolside, and the rest may simply want to unwind in paradise, enjoying all the posh amenities like complimentary room service.

My recent trip to the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa checks off all the boxes and more, and to be honest, I couldn’t think of a better way to kickstart summer.

From the seamless airport pick-up to room check-out, I was treated like royalty instead of just another face in the crowd of a long line of vacationers.

Aerial view of Punta Cana Resort
Image Courtesy Of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Greeted with a welcome cocktail and the friendliest bellhop I’ve ever met, Francel led me to my spacious ocean-view room for the week, mere steps from private access to the Dominican Republic’s most renowned beach, Bavaro.

Tucked away from loud motorcycle-filled streets and Punta Cana’s famous nightclubs, staying at this lavish 5-star resort is a haven for privacy in paradise, arguably one of the most blissful beach vacations on Caribbean soil.

Bon Appetit: 18 Restaurants To Choose From

Let’s start with the endless options of food…and maybe a few cold ones here and there.

But first, know that there are 4 separate resorts all part of one grand property. In addition to the Grand Palace (where I stayed), there are:

  • TRS Turquesa
  • Grand Grand Palladium Punta Cana
  • Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites

Guests have access to all the restaurants no matter where you stay as part of your all-inclusive package, excluding 4 limited to TRS guests only.

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed starting my day with breakfast as Las Torres day after day.

Some resorts have buffets where you may question what’s on your plate – not here, though.

From made-to-order omelets, a crepe station, an array of fresh fruits, and surprisingly delicious cappuccinos (yes, I’m a coffee snob!), this was my go-to day after day.

For lunch, I switched it up from beachside steaks Helio’s Beach Club one day to endless pizza the next, but it’s dinner where this resort shines the most in terms of its wide variety of international cuisines.

From interactive Japanese teppanyakis, to flavorful Indian delights, and decidant pasta topped with truffles and caviar, you can’t go wrong.

Punta Cana Resort
Image Courtesy Of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa

There’s even the Healthy Habits Bar for those who refuse to give in to “cheat days” on vacation. No judgement – more sugar and carbs for me!

I would highly recommend trying to score a plate of the freshly sliced suckling pig offered at Las Torres’ dinner service – so tender and flavorful.

While some may rightfully use vacations as their excuse to catch up on sleep, I’m the type who wants to take advantage of the moment and experience it all.

Where I found myself night after night was the only 24-hour establishment on-site, Xtra Time Sports Bar. When the hand-crafted cocktails came to a stop at Hemingway’s, the night continued on at Xtra Time.

Here, you won’t know where the night ends and the morning begins. You have a wide selection of snacks and cold Presidentes available at all hours where you can keep up with your favorite team back home.

If I Go Missing, You Can Find Me At The ‘Secret Pool’

Turns out the ‘Secret Pool’ is not so secret, but what’s great about it is this is a haven for those of us looking to escape screaming children for some grown-up time.

Secret Pool at Grand Palladium Punta Cana
Image Courtesy Of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa

As a family-friendly resort, you will surely have run-ins with kids, but there are ample spaces to enjoy some peace, quiet, and adult beverages.

The Secret Pool was my hands-down favorite place to hang out during the day with a swim-up bar specializing in Pina Coladas, shaded cabanas, and more open space, not that crowds were ever an issue.

Of course, there were multiple pools scattered throughout the lavish resort, but this one stood out the most for its draw of exclusivity.

Across from the TRS, this side of the property is for those of us looking to enjoy our downtime unbothered, which more than exceeded the mark in that aspect.

Fun In The…Mud? A 10/10 Spa Day!

Not everyone is into spas on vacation, but you would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on a day pass to the Zentropia Spa and Wellness.

Massage table at resort spa

The entire program offered is unmatched,. The 30-minute massage was among the best I’ve had anywhere and this comes from someone who has been transformed into a human pretzel in Bangkok.

Immediately following the massage, you’re provided with a hot tea while awaiting a truly unique experience, something I’ve never had the pleasure of taking part in.

Zentropia takes a page out of Katy Perry’s book believing in hot and cold treatments. Once you take a required shower for hygienic purposes, you’re guided into a sauna followed by an ‘ice room’.

Going back and forth between extreme opposite temperatures may sound tortuous on paper, but it’s shockingly pleasant. 

Followed by my personal favorite, the steam room, spritzing a menthol fragrance for the perfect finish before relaxing in the jacuzzi to recharge.

Woman in pool at resort spa

For the grand finale, you’re guided to a hidden area of the spa where you sit on a rock Flinstones-style after lathering organic clay masks, each with different health benefits.

These colorful mud baths may make you look crazy, but they’re surprisingly soothing. Just keep in mind removing all the mud afterwards can be a challenge in the unpredictable hot and cold showers, somehow oddly fitting given the spa’s itinerary.

Opt For A Private Beach Or Incredible Day Trip

As part of the ‘Palladium experience’, you will have exclusive access to over half a mile of not only the D.R.’s most renowned beach but also one of the most sought-after in the entire Caribbean.

Bavaro Beach is undoubtedly gorgeous with crystal-clear waters and soft sand living up to the hype. 

Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other plans this time of year, such as turning this paradisal beach into a game of The Floor Is Lava with seaweed.

In other words, it’s sargassum season. Some days are better than others and the beach is still great for lounging in the sun or going for a swim, but you will brush up against sargassum, an icky brown algae, at one point or another.

While I loved taking walks on the pristine Blue-flag certified beach and going for a swim, the highlight of the trip for me was a day trip to Isla Saona.

Tucked away from luxe resorts, hordes of tourists, and best of all, free of sargassum, my time spent on the postcard-worthy island was well worth the hours-long journey by bus and boat.

The waters and beach were truly pristine and top-notch for snorkeling, especially to see plentiful starfish. It’s highly advised not to touch them as they are a protected species.

Tourist on white sand beach Isla Saona
Travel Off Path Lead Writer visiting Isla Saona

Travel Off Path was a guest of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.

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Cheaper Stays & Festive Streets: One Of America’s Most Charming Cities Is The Perfect Winter Escape

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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.

Savannah, GA riverfront

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

River Street in Savannah at dawn

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’!).

Riverboat in Savannah skyline under full moon

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
St John's Episcopal Church in Savannah

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)

Christmas decor in Savannah City Market

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.

Christmas decor on historic home in Savannah

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.

Beachgoers walking on Tybee Island

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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White Sand Beaches And Historic Ruins: Escape To Florida’s Hidden Paradise This Fall

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Somehow, in a world where we crave the latest gizmos and gadgets, the old world of the Mayans has been trending in recent years despite being here way before our time.

Their fascinating culture and architectural marvels caught my eye, too, as I had just visited some incredibly preserved Mayan ruins in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, myself.

Fort Pickens Beach

While there haven’t been any official Mayan ruins discovered in the U.S., there are some fascinating historical ruins attributed to our own timelines that often go overlooked.

And what better backdrop while perusing remnants of our past than pristine white sand along vibrant emerald green waters?

Rather than follow the crowds to Miami, Orlando, and Siesta Key for your next Florida getaway, escape to the hidden paradise of Fort Pickens this fall.

Dare We Say A ‘Poor Man’s Tulum’?

Home to beautiful beaches and American antiquities, Fort Pickens is a rare sight to behold.

Canon at Fort Pickens backdropped by ocean

Often overshadowed by dozens of more popular Florida destinations, this sliver of paradise at the very western tip of Pensacola’s Santa Rosa Island goes relatively unnoticed unless you’re seeking it out.

In other words – it’s a bit off the beaten path, but not a treacherous journey and you’ll definitely be rewarded regardless.

Boasting Caribbean-esque white sands and shimmering green waters, Fort Pickens is well worth a visit in the same sense as Tulum, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and captivating historical sites.

No, there’s no trendy arts scene, a brand new airport, or divine Mexican food, but where else can you visit a nice U.S. beach with such well-preserved ruins?

Emerald green waters and white sand of Fort Pickens

Answer: not many!

Perhaps South Carolina’s Fort Sumter or another Florida counterpart, St. Augustine, but it’s safe to say Fort Pickens is next level!

It’s Okay To ‘Ruin’ Your Beach Vacation

Fort Pickens’ significance dates back well over a century.

Serving as a popular landmark nowadays, its former glory continues to captivate visitors with its scenic coastal views and intrigue.

What was once a stronghold in the American Civil War, the grounds are still kempt and most structures remain intact, making for awesome photo-ops.

Fort Pickens ruins and canon

Fort Pickens’ job was to protect Santa Rosa Island all while stopping the enemy from infiltrating the bay and nearby Navy yard.

The base covers roughly 200 acres, easily explorable before or after time at the beach. Today, it’s overseen by the National Park Service, who should ask for a raise covering double duty as both park rangers and tour guides.

Expect a walk-through of the remaining brick forts, a stroll along the barrier island, and even kayaking through the marsh.

It may not be Chichen Itza, but it’s very impressive nonetheless.

Fort Pickens

Unlike Gettysburg, don’t expect cheesy battlefield reenactments, even though The Battle of Santa Rosa Island took place here in 1861.

Fort Pickens receives high praise on Google, holding an impressive 4.8/5 rating, where one recent visitor claimed, “…the fort is incredible. Great beaches too, much better than the packed public beach just down the road”.

Also, many who visit love to rough it by camping under the stars. Fort Pickens Campground holds 200 campsites only charging $25 for admission in addition to the Gulf Islands National Seashore entry fees:

  • $15 per person
  • $20 per motorcycle
  • $25 per vehicle 
  • $45 annual pass

A Blissful Beach Escape Away From Florida’s Typical Crowds

White sand and sea oats on Fort Pickens beach

No resorts, no wild nightlife, no Disney characters – just pure bliss along an authentic paradisal beach.

Okay, the resorts would maybe be a nice touch, but otherwise, we all love as much space as possible on our beach vacations.

Fall tends to see crowds shrink anyway, but Fort Pickens is never elbow-to-elbow like many coastal hotspots around the globe.

Here, you’ll find soft white sand and many areas without a footprint. And best of all the waters are clear and the weather is warm even in fall (think mid 70’s to 80’s)

Some Gulf beaches can become brown and murky, uninviting for a nice swim. That’s not the case here.

Spacious Fort Pickens beach with white sand

In all likelihood, you’ll be driving here from Pensacola.

Although, the Pensacola Bay City Ferry offers fun weekend rides.

If driving, you’ll want to input Langdon Beach as your destination since this is the most swimmable area, equipped with ample parking, restrooms, and beach showers.

Safety Tip: lifeguards are only on duty from May – September!

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