Tag Flocking

Share The Article

Whitewashed villages clinging to steep cliffsides, stone-paved pathways that lead to blue dome churches, and of course, beach clubs galore:

There’s many a reason why you’d want to join the masses in Santorini this summer, and hey, we get it: overtourism aside, it truly is beautiful, so if this is something you’ve got your heart set on, by all means, go for it.

That being said, we’re here to address those of you who dream of an idyllic vacation instead, and who aren’t exactly keen on spending thousands of dollars a night on a cave suite in Oia.

Maybe you think less is more, and you don’t exactly mind opting instead for the lesser-known alternative.

In that case, you’ll want to consider these:

Zakynthos

According to a new report by HomeToGo, there are 4 Greek islands that are on the radar of Americans this year, and surprise, surprise, Santorini is nowhere to be found on the list.

On the other hand, the much-more offbeat Zakynthos is featured, with a 175% year-on-year increase in searches by U.S. tourists, and you may be wondering why, particularly if the name doesn’t exactly ring a bell.

Well, in case you didn’t know, Zakynthos is home to the most iconic beach in all of Greece, Navagio, where a 1980 shipwreck, flanked by towering cliffs, rusts away in the pearly-white sand, only a few meters from the most turquoise seas you’ve ever seen.

The beach itself can only be accessed by boat, usually from Zakynthos Town, but usually, tourists prefer admiring from above, at the Navagio Viewpoint.

Zakynthos is primarily somewhere you go for unwinding and beating Greece’s usual surging crowds, and if you’re mostly drawn to pristine nature, you’re spoiled for choice here:

There’s the Blue Caves, a snorkeling hotspot known for its glistening waters; Gerakas, much sought-after by visitors for sea turtle nesting; and a lively Banana Beach, a strip of golden sand dotted with sunbeds and backed by a wide range of amenities.

Zakynthos is also one of the most affordable Greek island getaways, with overnight stays in Zakynthos Town, the main settlement, starting from $82 for 2 adults, or $41 per person (check out Lofos Strani) and meals in local taverns averaging $10–$16.

Lefkada

Famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, which tower over unspoiled white sands and teal-colored seas, laid-back beach towns, and vibrant capital, Lefkada is a gem that probably won’t stay hidden for long:

It’s already up 189% in searches.

Though plenty about Lefkada will keep beach bums and culture enthusiasts entertained for days on end, a widespread consensus is that no trip here is complete without a stop in Porto Katsiki, possibly Greece’s second-most photographed beach after Navagio.

If you’re thinking of spending the day here, however, we’d advise you to come early, as there isn’t a lot of room in the cliff-squished sand strip, and you’ll want to make sure you’ve secured a place on the western side of the beach, as the cliffs cast shadows on the eastern end.

There are countless more secluded paradisaical sites in Lefkada, from Egremni Beach, dubbed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ for its fine, white sands and turquoise seas, or Kathisma, great for sunset dinners and some early-evening clubbing.

2 of the best bases for exploring Lefkada are Lefkada City, the buzzing capital, where some of the best restaurants are concentrated—whatever you do, don’t leave without trying Antivaro‘s smoked mackerel—or Nydri, a peaceful resort town on the East Coast.

Only a few steps from the Nydri waterfront, you can get a Deluxe Studio for $105 as a couple ($52.50 per person), whereas the centrally-located Ionion Star Hotel, in Lefkada Town, will set you back by $84-a-night ($42 when splitting).

Naxos

With a 327% uptick in searches this year, Naxos is the Santorini look-alike you probably weren’t even aware existed:

The largest landmass in the Cyclades, it offers ancient, chalk-white towns hugged by azure seas, a mountainous hinterland dotted with isolated villages where time has stood still for centuries, and a rich heritage, spanning from Ancient Times to Venetian rule.

For a typical Cycladic experience, start with Chora, the main port, a labyrinthine capital filled with cubic houses, at the foot of an imposing castle (Kastro):

Soak up the ancient atmosphere, get some freshly-caught fish from a local tavern (To Elliniko‘s the best one for regional cuisine at reasonable prices), or browse the shops lining the stone-paved main street for souvenirs.

Away from Chora, there’s the scenic Temple of Apollo, the remnants of a Greek temple, or more specifically, its marble doorway, essentially acting as a window to the sunset-tinged coast.

Inland, you can visit Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades, rising about 3,290 feet above sea level, and make sure you don’t miss out on the cave where Zeus was allegedly raised.

Whilst you’re at it, take a drive up to Aspiranthos, one of those many picture-perfect, stone-built villages that have largely been protected from the spoils of mass tourism:

Expect marble pavements, cozy cafe terraces shaded by leafy lemon trees, and an all-around authentic feel.

For a beach day, Agios Prokopios has golden sands, clear waters, and a handful of well-reputed beachfront taverns serving delicious food and refreshing drinks.

By the way, renting a sunbed here costs only $15 for the day.

Considering Naxos’ proximity to Santorini, you’d expect it to be a lot pricier than what it actually is, but in reality, budget hotels like Adonis here start from a shockingly-cheap $53-a-night for 2 adults (or only $26 each), and main dishes in Greek-frequented eateries range from $11–$17.

Crete

The Queen of Greek Islands, and the largest of them all, at that, Crete is the number one most-searched vacation in the Southeastern European country, with a whopping 390% rise in demand year-on-year, and it’s not hard to see why.

You could spend your holidays in Crete year after year, after year, and still fail to see all that it has to offer, and it’s an island of endless possibilities if you’re either a nature lover or a history buff.

Its bustling port capital, Heraklion, has all the beautiful chaos Greek metropolises are known for: picture the usual mess of hectic traffic, pedestrianized shopping streets with their usual rows of souvenir shops and alfresco eateries, and a palm-lined, modern promenade.

Near Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Greece. Dating back to the Minoan era, it is a ruined temple, but unlike other ruined temples, parts of its once-brightly painted exterior have survived.

Over in Elafonissi Beach, there are pinkish sands straddling a crystalline Aegean Sea, and if long trousers don’t usually put you off, you’ll want to do the 10-mile Samaria Gorge walk, taking you to the heart of a stunning canyon.

For a Cretan city that feels considerably more ‘chill’ than Heraklion, consider adding the colorful Chania to your itinerary: criss-crossed by narrow alleys, and encroaching on an Instagrammable Venetian-built harbor, it is sure to leave a long-lasting impression.

We mean, its mouth-watering bougatsa will.

As a large island with a vast range of tourist accommodations, Crete is probably among the most budget-friendly destinations in Greece this summer:

Downtown rooms in Heraklion cost from as little as $53 per night (as a traveling couple, that’s $26.50 each), and eating local is generally inexpensive.

For instance, getting a takeout souvlaki gyros on the Heraklion port area usually comes up to about $3.37, and as for a sit-down meal in Chania, Tamam Restaurant is a trendy Greek-Middle Eastern fusion serving sizable meals for roughly $10–15 (do try their chicken with honey and mustard!)

Heading to Greece this summer?

Discover other incredible, unheard-of islands with smaller (or no) crowds and cheaper prices here.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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

Share The Article

According to research conducted by MBO Partners, 18.1 million U.S. citizens are officially digital nomads, or roughly 11% of the total American workforce.

That’s a stunning number in itself, considering that, prior to 2020, the concept of remote work was restricted almost exclusively to IT and certain niche fields of entrepreneurship.

The primary goal of these individuals is to be location-independent while earning a living, and many of them have an innate passion for traveling, and you’re likely to find them anywhere the sun is shining, and the cost of living is low, from Mexico, to Spain, to Thailand.

Be that as it may, an equally significant percentage of American nomads are quite happy city-hopping in their own neck of the woods and aren’t exactly keen on relocating to a foreign country.

One U.S. city in particular has in fact tripled its digital nomad population since 2019, charting ahead of long-time faves for tech-savvies like Austin and San Francisco.

Miami Is America’s Top Nomad Hotspot Right Now

Florida’s most popular beach destination, Miami is America’s leading nomad hub right now, leading not only in numbers, but in public opinion:

According to this other Hostinger analysis, it is the best home base for digital nomads craving a change of scenery while keeping it somewhat ‘local’.

Miami has excelled not only in the ‘freelance income potential’ category, thanks to its thriving economy and myriad of career opportunities, but also its big selection of coworking spaces.

It has a well-established cafe scene that puts it on a par with New York, Chicago, Seattle and the like, and wherever you are in the sprawling coastal metropolis, you’re never too far from a laptop-friendly eatery serving delicious daytime brunch to keep you going.

Think a cozy The Cafe At Books & Books in Coral Gables, a solid pick for overcoming that persistent writer’s block if you’re an independent writer—free WiFi, floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with books, timeless wooden furniture, and an intellectual vibe throughout.

For a livelier environment and a quick 30-minute inbox-clearing sesh powered by strong coffee, we love Magdalena in Edgewater, and if you feel a light breakfast in an airy, soft-lit space will get you to boost your productivity, try Little Haiti’s Panther Coffee.

A Vibrant Culture & Social Scene

Speaking of Little Haiti, it is one of Miami’s most vibrant ethnic neighborhoods (one of many!), boasting a high concentration of Caribbean-style restaurants, creative murals covered in street art, and quirky indie galleries.

The local Caribbean Marketplace is particularly great for finding local produce if you’re staying in Miami a while, as well as buying Afro-Caribbean handicraft.

Over in Little Havana, the heart of Miami’s Cuban community, you’ll stumble upon an equally fascinating cultural scene, from Calle Ocho, lined with cantinas and walk-up windows selling Cuban cigars, to the busy meeting point that is Maximo Gomez Park.

Then there’s South Beach, or how we like to call it, quintessential Miami, with its historic charm—you’ve probably never seen this beautiful collection of pastel-hue, Art Deco facades anywhere—cosmopolitan feel, and active nightlife

If you’re wondering where to go for some fun on a Friday night, Ocean Drive’s where it’s at.

In sum, there is plenty about Miami and its diverse communities that will keep you inspired and get your creative juices flowing when you need them most.

High Quality Of Life & No Visas Required

As MBO Partners have concluded, Miami also scores well in monthly living costs: though it is the gateway to Latin America, by no means does it share the nether subcontinent’s cheap prices, but life here doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyed.

In fact, nomads will spend an average $2,200-$2,800 per month, in line with other Floridian cities, and tourism hotspots across America, and somewhat cheaper than the average for places like New York and Chicago.

Rent is truly the one thing that will nab the greatest chunk of your income, particularly if you’re keen on living in a trendy Wynwood, or a Bohemian Coconut Grove—on the other hand, grocery prices are reasonable, and there is plenty of affordable dining options around.

Another one of Miami’s undeniable appeal for American nomads is the fact it is a domestic destination boasting pleasant weather and white-sand beaches.

Americans don’t need to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (commonly shortened to DNV), worry about entry and stay regulations, or for God’s sake, even have a passport when choosing Miami as their new temporary hub: this is the United States, after all!

Latin America, Europe and Asia are great, but have you tried qualifying for one of those hard-to-get DNVs, or living on constant visa-runs to avoid breaking immigration law?

Lastly, this is the closest you can get to being in a tropical location Stateside, as temperatures here vary from 62°F to 90°F during the year, and they rarely fall below 50°F.

As a local coworking space founder Karla Rodriguez has added, ‘Miami offers what nomads crave most’, namely the infrastructure for productivity, coupled with ‘endless opportunities for rejuvenation’: in other words, it offers great quality of life.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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

Share The Article

Mexico may be particularly famous for the sun-drenched Caribbean Coast, where resorts line white-sand beaches and turquoise seas, its rich Mayan heritage, and bustling capital city, but there’s still a lot about America’s southern neighbor tourists don’t know yet.

This is, after all, one of the largest and most diverse countries in the Western Hemisphere, and you’d be a fool to think Cancun, or even Mexico City, are representative of Mexico as a whole.

To the surprise of industry experts, this year, a growing number of Americans is actively bypassing the usual tourism hotspots, and are flocking instead to this secret destination that rarely ever features on travel brochures.

Though it’s hardly your typical vacation, the offbeat San Luis Potosí offers both low prices and a fascinating culture, and it’s seeing a significant increase in arrivals:

San Luis Potosí Is Rising Fast In Popularity With Americans

According to Claudia Lorena Peralta Antiga, the head of the City Council’s Tourism Directorate, visitors from the United States lead in numbers of foreign entrants to San Luis Potosí, followed by Colombians and Canadians.

This can easily be attributed to the city’s rising appeal among culture-hungry Americans, who are no longer drawn to the all-inclusive vacation model and are in search of more authentic experiences in non-touristy areas.

Additionally, Mrs Antiga pointed to the recent expansion of air connectivity at San Luis Potosí International Airport (SLP): it is now connected to Houston (IAH) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) in Texas, as well as Atlanta (ATL) and San Antonio (SAT).

On top of that, negotiations are being held right now with four airlines interested in the San Luis Potosí-McAllen-McAllen route, though further information has not been divulged at this point.

Why Do Americans Love San Luis Potosí So Much?

A major city in central Mexico, with a population just shy of hitting the 1 million mark, San Luis Potosí (or SLP) is a hugely important financial and trade hub, due to its strategic location halfway between Mexico City and the U.S. border.

Contrary to Monterrey, however, that’s largely known for its manufacturing industries, SLP has an understated elegance, and historical charm you won’t find in most New World cities.

For starters, it is home to a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of a historic center, dotted with colonial landmarks built as far back as the 17th century:

The most famous monument in town, the cathedral has been compared to Mexico City’s and Guadalajara’s in beauty: it has a distinct pink-quarry facade, and its richly-decorated interiors will leave you awestruck.

Nearby, the verdant Jardín de San Francisco is a green oasis centered around a beautiful fountain and bordered by palatial Spanish-era structures, including three Baroque churches and the regional Positano Museum, housed in what was once a Franciscan monastery.

A short 3-minute walk from the gardens, the historically significant Caja Real is a surviving remnant of the now-defunct Viceroyalty of New Spain. It’s where merchants would line up to pay their taxes to the Spanish Crown in gold and silver.

There are numerous other beautiful buildings to be admired in the compact, walkable center, from a Neoclassical Teatro de la Paz, to the picture-perfect low houses lining Universidad Street, distinguished by their bright hues and ornate window frames.

How Actually Cheap Is San Luis Potosí?

If you were looking for an affordable Mexico getaway that won’t break the bank, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

In general, meals in a locally-run restaurant will cost you $8.78, based on Numbeo estimates, while 3-course presentations in an upscale downtown eatery for two people are likely to set them back $39.

The price range is reasonable as it is, but even if you’re on a super-strict budget, you don’t need to look beyond the Old Town to stretch those dollars further:

An 8-minute stroll from the zócalo, Café Corta’o is a no-frills coffee shop housed in a colonial, vividly jaune edifice serving hearty breakfast menus and natural juices for around $7.

For quesadillas, gorditas, and chilaquiles paired with homemade sauce, El Mesón de San Pascual is popular for its variety of dishes and accessible prices, with main dishes from as cheap as $5, or the equivalent in pesos.

From 8 AM to 8 PM every day, you can also pay the vibrant Mercado Hidalgo a visit, sitting on the namesake street, and criss-crossed with rows of street food, and fresh produce stalls––don’t leave without trying the local machitos tacos!

They’re made from orange juice and vinegar-marinated sheep (or goat) offal, and they’re absolutely delicious.

How About Hotels?

As for accommodation, MarinaCristina is a 3-star accommodation provider billing guests $60-a-night for a single room right in the center of town.

The even-cheaper Patio Zaragoza costs $51 to book as a single traveler, and we’re talking a double bed only meters away from the cathedral, and with breakfast included.

If you’re a faithful Marriott customer, you’ll be glad to know the City Centro by Marriott has spacious King Rooms from only $100––as well as rooftop pool with amazing views of the Old Town.

On average, tourists will spend between $55 and $103 per night on accommodation, according to Budget Your Trip.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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

Share The Article

You may know Mexico already for its white-sand beaches, glitzy resort zones and buzzing beach bars, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg:

With a history spanning thousands of years, it is one of the most culturally-charged countries in the Americas, and if it’s Old World charm you seek, rest assured you’ll find as much of it south of the border, a short 3 to 4-hour flight away, as you would across the Atlantic.

Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that a growing number of U.S. travelers is flocking to an offbeat Queretaro instead of the usual beach hotspots in the Mexican Caribbean: not only is it among Mexico’s finest offers in terms of city breaks, but it’s also European-pretty:

Queretaro Is One Of The Prettiest Cities In Mexico

A gem of central Mexico, Queretaro is a UNESCO-listed settlement dating back to the early period of European colonization, famous for having a historic center that’s been largely preserved as the centuries passed.

When you think of a city in the Americas, you probably picture steel-and-glass and endless rows of skyscrapers lining buzzing boulevards, and though that may apply to other larger cities, including Mexico City, it’s not the aesthetics that apply to Queretaro:

Picture narrower, pedestrianized streets lined with brightly painted facades, a plethora of Baroque churches, each of them unique in character and just as ornate as the next, and numerous plazas bordered by laid-back eateries.

Oh, and if you’re wondering whether Queretaro is just surface-level beautiful, you should know it is oftentimes considered the birthplace of Mexican Independence: it is here the revolt against Spanish rule erupted in the 19th century.

An Intact Colonial Center Awaiting Discovery

Among Queretaro’s most historically significant sites, there’s a pink-stone Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo, built in 1752, a Franciscan monastery now housing the Regional Museum of Queretaro, housing art that spans from the pre-Columbian to the colonial era.

In the heart of town, the Teatro de la República is a stunning Neoclassical venue that was once at the front of Mexico’s war for independence: it is where Emperor Maximilian I was tried, the same monarch who opposed freedom from Spain and got executed as a result.

Speaking of whom he would meet his tragic end up, Cerro de las Campanas, a centrally-located hill now topped with a chapel marking the place where the execution took place––regardless of the dark past, the view from the top is breathtaking, dare we say.

Looking for more important historic landmarks? From Casa de la Corregidora, formerly owned by Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, the woman of the hour of the Mexican War of Independence, to the 74-arch, 18th-century aqueduct, Queretaro’s rich Spanish heritage is boundless.

It’s European Pretty And This Affordable?

Other than architectural value and history, Queretaro is one of the most affordable destinations in the sun-drenched center of Mexico, from the local-owned eateries, serving delicious enchiladas queretanas and strawberry tamales for around a dollar, to the inexpensive accommodation:

A 5-star standard room at Casa Inn Premium Hotel will cost you from $68 a night, and the City Express by Marriott is even more budget-friendly, starting at $63 for a queen room, with breakfast included, and within walking distance of the main attractions.

Looking for cheap eats while in town? Make sure you add the locally-run Zandunga to your list, especially if you love huevos rancheros ($5), and a well-frequented Santa Cecina, for a big selection of tacos and parrilladas, with prices ranging from a mere $1.26 to $4.35.

Queretaro is a world-class cultural city break. It has beautiful sights evocative of the bygone Spanish Empire, at its most elegant at that, and it will hardly break the bank if you think places like Cancun or Cabo are a bit out of budget for you.

What’s not to like?

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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

Share The Article

Blessed with sunny temps year-round and being a paradisiacal island bordered by turquoise seas, Jamaica is a no-brainer for Americans planning a tropical getaway this winter despite not being the most peaceful of countries.

According to the State Department, Americans should, in fact, ‘reconsider’ travel to Jamaica due to the nation’s widespread gang activity and ongoing issues with crime, but it’s not like that’s stopping U.S. citizens from flocking into Montego Bay:

This winter alone, Jamaica is expected to host over 1 million visitors, with an additional 180,000 airline seats, not to mention its best winter season yet: among all nationalities, Americans are leading the figures, accounting for 74,000 of those new seats.

Considering the dire safety warnings, what is it about Jamaica that has got Americans so hooked regardless?

Resort Zones Are Safe

Jamaica is not exactly the safest Caribbean country out there, but as a destination, it is relatively safe. Does that sound confusing? Allow us to explain briefly:

While it’s true crime rates in Jamaica are exceedingly high, as noted by Numbeo, and infrastructure in some areas is lacking at best, these are problems that, for better or for worse, mostly concern residents, especially those living in largely underdeveloped towns.

As a privileged tourist, however, you’ll be likely staying in a heavily-fortified, well-surveilled resort, where no one gets in or out unless they’re staff, guests, or have been invited, and where criminals do not operate.

Controversial as it may be, though Jamaica is far from being a perfectly functioning state, factoring in the corruption levels and violence, it’s a paradise for visitors, and they have little, if anything, at all to be worried about when going there on vacation.

Luxury Resorts Galore

Jamaica’s wide range of resorts, particularly in and around Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, plays an equally big part in the island’s popularity with Americans.

Let’s face it: when you have only 7 to 10 days of paid vacation per day, an all-inclusive resort is as good as it gets, where pampering is expected 24/7, amenities are world-class, and the quality of food is unrivaled––have we mentioned the private beaches yet?

They’re not particularly expensive, either, with an overnight at the SeaGarden Beach Resort, in the heart of Montego Bay, costing $250 a night on a weekend this February, or an even-cheaper $193 at Deja Resort, with stunning ocean views and meals included.

Naturally, if you’re the splurging type, and we’re talking 4 figures-a-night, there are much-pricier villas at a paradisiacal Round Hill, or at the landmark, five-star Secrets St. James, with prices at those higher-end listings ranging from $1,044 to $2,000 a night.

Jamaica Is Surprisingly Visitor-Friendly

We wouldn’t be the first ones to venture outside the protective walls of a resort unaccompanied unless it’s the shopping zones in Montego Bay or Negril, which are still strictly patrolled, but if beaching for 7 days straight isn’t your idea of fun, there is a way you can safely explore Jamaica.

Just book a guided tour!

From Montego Bay, you can visit a marijuana farm and bird sanctuary for only $81, pick up and drop off at your location of preference included, or even go on an adults-only, ‘reggae’ catamaran cruise with an open bar along the coast, from $110.

To our fellow culture buffs out there, a must-do while in Jamaica is the Bob Marley Guided Tour of Nine Mile, featuring a stop in St. Ann, the birthplace of the music icon and Jamaica’s most emblematic figure, as well as the Bob Marley Mausoleum ($167.48).

From Kingston, the vibrant capital of Jamaica, there are walking tours of colorful murals ($26), or if you’re keen on something a little more hippy, check out this incredible Story of Jamaican Music Tour, starting from $90 per person.

Flights There Are Cheap

Finally, there’s the fact that Americans can fly nonstop to all three international airports of Jamaica, located in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Based on Kayak data, the average rate of one-way flights from the United States to Jamaica is a surprisingly affordable $90, with the complete list of nonstop routes listed below:

Nonstop Flights From The U.S. To Kingston (KIN)

5-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Spirit Airlines

3 flights per day with American Airlines

4-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Delta Air Lines

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines

Nonstop Flights From The U.S. To Montego Bay (MBJ)

8-11 flights per day with JetBlue, Spirit Airlines or Southwest Airlines

5-7 flights per day with JetBlue, Southwest Airlines or Spirit Airlines

3-6 flights per day with American Airlines

6-9 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Frontier Airlines

2-8 flights per day with American Airlines

3 flights per day with United Airlines

2-4 flights per day with American Airlines or Frontier Airlines

2-3 flights per day with American Airlines

• Houston-Intercontinental (IAH)

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines

• Houston-William P. Hobby (HOU)

1 flight per week every Saturday with Southwest Airlines

1-3 flights per day with American Airlines or United Airlines

2 flights per day with Southwest Airlines

1-3 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Sun Country Airlines

0-2 flights every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday with American Airlines, Jet Blue or Delta Air Lines

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines

0-1 flight every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with United Airlines

0-1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday with Xtra Airways

0-1 flight every Saturday with Southwest Airlines

0-1 flight every Saturday with United Airlines

Flights From The U.S. To Ocho Rios

1 flight every day with American Airlines

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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

Share The Article

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.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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