Craving Authentic Culture? Swap Flashy Resorts For These 5 Caribbean Getaways

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How many times can we bar-hop between Hard Rock Café, Señor Frog’s, and Cabo Wabo Cantina before we realize we’re falling for a tourist trap instead of enjoying the magic of the unknown with culturally rich destinations?

Livingston, Guatemala beach

As far as the Caribbean goes, Cancun, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay are fabulous, but there’s a missing link between flashy resorts and authenticity, where we’re magnetized like moths to a lightbulb by the comforts of endless buffets, swim-up bar cocktails, and crystalline infinity pools rather than the raw beauty of footprint-free sand in a place with a true sense of local character.

If you’re yearning for something beyond the usual vacation hotspot, we’ve gathered the most under-hyped destinations ranging from Mexican gems to unheard-of map-dot towns oozing charm, pristine shores, and unexpected delights across the Caribbean for a summer escape you’ll never forget!

Port Antonio, Jamaica

Most travelers think Kingston is a dump, serving more as a gateway instead of a beach town except for the hidden gem I found.

Woman visiting Blue Lagoon - Port Antonio, Jamaica

Most vacationers scope out Montego Bay and Negril for a paradisal retreat, but with posh amenities and curated experiences, culture goes by the wayside.

That’s where Port Antonio comes in. Lined with stunning coastlines with far fewer crowds and resorts spaced out enough not to feel overly touristy, the northern side of Jamaica is teeming with unspoiled landscapes rather than the cushy comforts of Montego Bay that you could get back home.

Boasting majestic waterfalls, postcard shores, a “Blue Lagoon” Iceland would blush at, verdant coffee farms, and hole-in-the-wall jerk chicken stands that would put Colonel Sanders out of business, Port Antonio is not only one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets, but all of the Caribbean.

Barahona, Dominican Republic

Aerial view of Barohona, Dominican Republic

Going back to what I said about Señor Frogs and itinerary bloat, Barahona is the complete opposite if you were to compare it directly to Punta Cana.

While there’s no denying that Punta Cana is still a raging success, more travelers are venturing off to the Dominican Republic’s up-and-coming resort destinations like Samana, Miches, and Puerto Plata. Rarely do you hear of Barahona, an untouched turquoise-water paradise known as “La Perla del Sur,” translating to “The Pearl of the South” for those behind in their Rosetta Stone lessons.

With resorts popping up everywhere in the aforementioned destinations, Barahona is one of the few in the nation that feels truly untouched.

San Rafael beach in Barahona

Getting here is even easier than Samana, for example. Fly into the capital city, Santo Domingo, and hop aboard a 2.5-hour bus ride to a paradise even Jimmy Buffett could only dream of — except you might want to skip cheeseburgers in place of fresh seafood here.

Rather than a flashy resort, book a boutique stay at Hotel Yamir, boasting an impressive 4.8 Google rating and even more impressive rates at only $29 per night!

Chetumal, Mexico

Tulum might be losing its luster, but Chetumal only has upside with similar attractions like ancient ruins. Though, this cultural hideaway hugging the Mexico-Belize border is a far cry from Cancun, but that’s the appeal.

Tourist posing at colorful Chetumal sign

Rather than towering resorts lining the coast, Chetumal is wrapped by vibrant waters along the scenic Malecòn and quaint walkable downtown streets and alleyways that don’t feel touristy.

I’ve been to 16 destinations in Mexico and Chetumal was one of the biggest surprises with its affordable luxury, phenomenal cuisine, welcoming locals, and access to some of Mexico’s best off-path beaches like Mahahual and what’s quite possible the prettiest destination in Mexico — Bacalar.

Tela, Honduras

If Honduras is on your radar, it’s likely the stunning islands of Roatàn or Utila that have caught your eye.

That’s where tourists go, but locals favor Tela, just an hour and a half from San Pedro Sula, the most popular gateway into Honduras.

Paradisal beach in Tela, Honduras

The slice of paradise on what’s essentially an undiscovered beach haven by the masses that opt for more notable names.

There’s not much pizazz here as far as beachfront stays go, rather sensational seafood shacks, sandy bars, and boutique stays like top-rated Hotel y Cabañas Villas del Mar.

Tela is very popular by local standards. For more seclusion venture to Punta Sal National Park nearby for crowd-free coves, crystal clear waters, and lush jungles.

Livingston, Guatemala

If you thought Guatemala was solely comprised of colonial towns, volcanic hikes, and astounding lakes, think again!

Garifuna women on beach hammocks in Livingston, Guatemala

Most travelers don’t realize Guatemala has a Caribbean coastline, and Livingston is the one town you should scope out if you’re up for the adventure.

Accessible only by boat, Livingston is a delightful, remote hideaway worth the trek for the furthest thing from a typical Caribbean getaway with pristine beaches, no ritzy all-inclusives, and captivating Garifuna culture (a blend of African and indigenous traditions also displayed in Tela, Honduras).

There are numerous seaside eateries serving fresh local cuisine with sweeping views of the Caribbean and those who’ve make the trip have loved their stay at Hotel Villa Caribe.

Whatever you do, don’t skip the Siete Altares, a series of beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes nearby.

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This Cluster Of New England Beach Towns Is One Of America’s Most Affordable Spring Getaways

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One unexpected East Coast state has been quietly creeping up on travelers’ itineraries the past few years, including my own.

The magnetizing seafarer’s charm, endless seafood shacks, and tranquil shores of Maine have become a huge draw for travelers seeking sun and sand over the big city grind, but the O.G. of idyllic East Coast beaches is still alive and well…and surprisingly affordable!

Coastal homes of Gloucester, Massachussetts

That would be Massachusetts — home to popular beach destinations of Cape Cod, Provincetown, and Martha’s Vineyard

But there’s another lesser-known cluster of beach towns with virtually no crowds, and recently highlighted as the East Coast’s most affordable coastal getaway.

Cape Ann: New England’s Affordable Seaside Paradise

You might be wondering where Cape Ann is located and how it’s slipped through the cracks for so long, and rightfully so.

Settlement of Cape Ann descriptive sign

An easy 53-minute trip from Boston lies this gorgeous peninsula lined with numerous towns oozing charm and character with rustic waterfront shops, scenic harbors, and of course, beautiful beach hideaways.

Deeply steeped in maritime history, Cape Ann is a classic New England coastal escape with strong ties to the sea, which has now transformed into an underrated vacation spot.

Rather than name-brand resorts, Cape Ann boasts cozier stays without the corporate nonsense. Think historic inns and boutique stays, such as Rockport Inn & Suites in the low $100s through April.

Beach in Rockport, MA

Although, your best bargain isn’t a hotel but a State Park. Halibut State Park, located at the very tip of the peninsula, is free to enter and great spot for cycling, hiking, and sweeping coastal views.

Which Beach Towns To Visit

Let’s unpack this cluster of Cape Ann towns to give you a better idea of where to vacation this spring.

Gloucester:

Proudly boasting America’s oldest seaport, this scenic town blends history and coastal bliss with multiple insightful museums as well as stunning natural beauty.

A true vacation destination, despite not being a household name, there’s plenty to do, see, and indulge in.

Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, MA

Of the cluster of towns making up Cape Ann, Gloucester is arguably the best for a quintessential beach vacation.

So much so, their tourism goes as far as boldly claiming their vibrant coastlines behold ‘several of the world’s most beautiful beaches’ such as Good Harbor Beach with Caribbean-esque waters.

Order ‘oak grilled’ entrees from a wood-fired grill and 500-gallon smoker at Oak to Ember in the heart of the Seaport, book an ocean-view room at Beauport Hotel, and cap off your beach day with a sunset cruise.

Manchester-by-the-Sea:

Boats in harbor of Manchester-by-the-Sea

Manchester-by-the-Sea (also known simply as “Manchester”) is a tranquil seaside town offering an upscale lifestyle with unmissable cliffside mansions, slower pace, and one of the American’s most unique beaches.

Singing Beach got the name not because it’s a 24/7 karaoke party but because the sand “sings” when you walk on it.

In a CBS News report showcasing how unique and wonderful Singing Beach is to visit, one resident claimed “Honestly, when it’s quiet, it’s heaven. It really is.”

Singing Beach of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA at sunset

Of this bunch of beach towns, Manchester is the priciest, but mostly in real estate. That being said, your best bet is booking in a neighboring town (or Boston) and making a day trip out of it.

Rockport:

While many vacationers enjoy much-needed downtime in peace and quiet, Rockport is where the “action” is with quirky shops, line-out-the-door seafood eateries, and Motif #1, the ‘most often-painted building in America’.

In other words, this beautiful coastal town is a huge draw for artists, free spirits and non-conformists as it offers a vibrant, welcoming, Boho atmosphere.

Rockport, MA shops

Unlike Gloucester’s long stretches of beaches, Rockport offers pint-sized coved and more secluded shores.

Grab a must-have bowl of Clam Chowdah from The Fish Shack, unwind in a seaside lounge chair at Eden Pines Inn, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the calm blue waters.

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Discover Mexico’s 3 Most Underrated All-Inclusive Getaways For 2025

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Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. Vacationers often limit themselves to this trifecta of Mexican powerhouses.

Truth is, Mexico as a whole gets a bad rap, and not everyone views this culturally enchanting and naturally astounding country as a playground for adventure.

Conversely, not everyone’s version of adventure is a relaxing, all-inclusive getaway in a city you might not have heard of before.

It’s time to change that perspective.

Window views of pool and sea from Manzillo resort

Rather than follow the crowd overpaying for Cabo’s glamorous resorts and having to fight your way to the swim-up bar, there are 3 underrated all-inclusive beach destinations calling your name this year — and one has been compared to Santorini!

A Travel Advisory Foreword:

All 3 destinations presented are based in Level 4: Do Not Travel states. But, there’s a catch…

The U.S. State Department categorizes Mexico’s travel advisories based on states, not cities.

Saying no to visiting Sinaloa, for example, basically equates to issuing an advisory for the entire state of California during L.A.’s recent wildfire disasters.

Would you feel that you should avoid Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, or Palm Springs too? Chances are that’s a hard no.

Woman draped with Mexico flag

As a seasoned traveler throughout Mexico, I’ve visited numerous destinations ranging from ‘safe’ to ‘dangerous’, and I can attest the same perspective should be applied here.

Yes, there are definite no-go regions of Mexico, but these 3 bright spots, which just so happen to be located in problematic states, are well-protected with a hefty National Guard presence, local police force, and private security to maintain a safe haven for tourists.

Look at it this way — all 3 vacation spots have multiple nonstop flights from the U.S. and Canada.
Do you think airlines would be making a profit selling flights to no man’s land? Negative.

So, without further ado, here are Mexico’s 3 most underrated all-inclusive getaways for 2025:

Mazatlan: Sinaloa’s Shining Star For A World-Class Vacation

Let’s get the buzzword out of the way: Sinaloa.

Row of resorts in Mazatlan

As you’ve gathered, Mazatlan is completely safe to visit; no more concerning than Cancun, Punta Cana, or any of the household names we rely on for your sunny paradisal escapes.

Mazatlan has been steadily gaining steam on travelers’ radars, especially in the digital nomad world.

But, many vacationers are sleeping on Mazatlan as a laid-back all-inclusive getaway with numerous resorts overlooking pristine beaches surrounded by a captivating cityscape full of urban delights and incredible views, such as El Faro Lighthouse.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 all-inclusive resorts in Mazatlan:

  1. Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort
  2. El Cid Marina Beach Hotel
  3. Emporio Mazatlan
  4. El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
  5. Hotel Riu Emerald Bay

Better yet, Mazatlan is fun to explore beyond the resorts with a buzzing nightlife, vibrant Plaza Machado, the scenic Malecon boardwalk, and even a random ode to The Beatles.

Beachside resort pool in Mazatlan

Mazatlan does have Uber, but you gotta check out the funky Pulmonias to get around; essentially their version of a “tuk tuk”.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: My Favorite Mexican Beach Town

I’ve been all over Mexico, but my recent trip to Ixtapa kicked Mahahual to second place in my favorite Mexican beach town’s rankings.

As a former Cabo Sun contributor, I even put my travel reputation on the line, saying Ixtapa is prettier! (no offense, Sammy Haggar)

Located in the state of Guerrero, the twin cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offer a different set of attractions, but you’ll find ample resorts on both sides.

Playa El Pelmar in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

I stayed at Barcelo, and it was fantastic having a pair of swim-up bars to choose from, an all-you-can-eat seafood feast, and a pool to die for overlooking the waves crashing ashore Playa El Palmar, a certified Blue-Flag beach.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 all-inclusive resorts in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo:

  1. Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
  2. Las Brisas Ixtapa
  3. Emporio Ixtapa
  4. Hotel Fontan Ixtapa
  5. Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa

Better yet, you can visit the secret island of Isla Ixtapa, with perfect snorkeling conditions and unknown ruins of Xihuacan, far off the radar from the likes of Teotihicaun and Chichen Itza.

Manzanillo: The “Santorini Of Mexico”

Sweeping views of white-washed townscape of Manzanillo

There’s no place quite like Santorini, Greece, but in Latin America, Manzanillo is the next best thing.

Beholding a white-washed townscape overlooking vivid blue waters, Manzanillo is perhaps Mexico’s most underrated all-inclusive resort town, largely in part due to the state of Colima’s uprise in crime.

Vacationers in Manzanillo shouldn’t be overly concerned with crime reports as the jewel of Colima has its own airport with numerous connections to U.S. cities, such as Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix, so you can fly over the “dangerous” areas, which are mostly attributed to Colima City.

Upon arriving, you’ll find ample high-end resorts perched beachside with a cultural town center to explore anchored by the picturesque Zocalo and idyllic Malecon for seaside strolls.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 all-inclusive resorts in Manzanillo:

  1. Barceló Karmina
  2. Las Hadas By Brisas
  3. Hotel Vista Playa de Oro Manzanillo
  4. Hotel Tesoro Manzanillo
  5. Gran Festivall All Inclusive Resort
Manzanillo beach resort

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New Resorts & World-Class Eats: 3 Up-And-Coming California Getaways You Should Visit In 2025

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As San Francisco had one of its worst years for tourism and wildfires have decimated some of the most beautiful regions of Los Angeles, travelers may be opening their eyes to new destinations in the “Golden State”.

Home to new lavish resorts and world-class eats, there are 3 California getaways on the rise, perfect for a memorable vacation this year.

Bench overlooking mountains at Mountain Hawk Park in Chula Vista

Whether it be wine country, small coastal gems, or the first-ever resort coming to an overlooked SoCal city, vacationers should keep an eye on this trio of up-and-coming gems to avoid the chaos of California’s major cities.

3 up-and-coming California getaways you should visit in 2025:

Elk: Northern California’s New Hotspot

A case of the winter blues can make you feel stuck in a rut, so what’s more fitting than paying a visit to Elk?

This blip on the map along the famous Pacific Coastal Highway (PCH) is more than a road trip pit stop for beef jerky and Big Gulps; it’s a place you’ll want to arrive hungry and stay a while.

Small town of Elk, California

Receiving 2 stars from Michelin Guide is Harbor House, anchoring the city’s surging food scene. Here, you’ll get the VIP treatment with divine entrees such as ‘Slowly-grilled Halibut‘ and ‘Abalone poached in sake, calhikari rice, offal‘.

Better yet, when you’re feeling overstuffed, you can head straight to your room as Harbor House, the restaurant, is located inside the Harbor House Inn.

Seen as Big Sur 2.0, this small town on the rise is one of California’s most picturesque coastal gems.

Albeit NorCal’s beaches can be a bit nippy, to say the least, the scenery is astounding. Check out Greenwood State Beach to see what I mean.

Sweeping views of Elk, cA coastline and rolling hills

Nature is completely untamed here, and the town couldn’t be more authentic without the eyesores of fast food chains.

Instead, you can mingle with locals at dim-lit dives like Beacon Light By The Sea.

Chula Vista: San Diego’s Last Frontier

Chula Vista is more than a suburb; it’s soon to be a destination on its own, yet already boasting its own unique culture where chill San Diego vibes meet Tijuana delights without needing a passport.

Home to nearly 300,000 residents, including myself, I’ve never understood why I constantly get a stink-eye when I tell “San Diegans” where I live.

Third Avenue banner in downtown Chula Vista

Truth is, I love it!

While many tourists visit downtown San Diego’s buzzing Gaslamp Quarter for late-night ragers, Chula Vista’s 3rd Avenue is a great alternative with a much calmer atmosphere for the “happy crowd” at numerous breweries and up-and-coming restaurants like locally hyped Tuétano Taquería, Canelo Alvarez’s recently opened lines-out-the-door taco shop El Pastor Del Rica, and my new favorite, Lime in the Coconut, for the city’s best cocktails.

There are countless Tijuana-inspired taco shops here, being so close to the border, and yes, it’s home to the O.G., Tacos El Gordo – so insanely delicious, it’s rumored to be raking in $5 million per month in their Vegas location!

Sorry, Gordon Ramsay.

Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista

As incredible as Chula Vista’s food scene may be, the claim to fame for 2025 will be the city’s first-ever resort, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, overlooking the San Diego Bay and only 7 minutes from downtown San Diego.

It’s set to open in ‘late spring 2025′ at an undisclosed date.

Chula Vista is often mischaracterized as a border town, but that’s only if you haven’t been to the Eastlake district.

Check out Mountain Hawk Park, one of my favorite hidden gems overlooking staggering mountains and the scenic Otay Lakes that I would assume less than 1% of San Diego tourists know about.

Murrieta: SoCal’s New Wine Country Hideaway

Clock in downtown Murrieta

Temecula is SoCal’s version of Napa, lined with chateau wineries and a charming downtown. Despite being more low-key than Napa, Temecula can draw a crowd, and traffic is unbearable.

The neighboring town of Murrieta is the place to be with a picturesque main strip, wineries like Wine Ranch Grill and Cellars with far fewer crowds, and a newly revamped resort that easily became one of my favorite California stays.

Here is what the perfect day in Murrieta looks like:

Take a nice stroll through downtown Murrieta and grab a delicious latte at The Crafted Scone, holding an impressive 4.6 Google Rating.

Head over to Toast for brunch, where they serve mimosa flights and sinfully delicious Crab Cake Benedict.

Roasted Delicata Squash served at Talia Kitchen

Relax for a few hours at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, whether as an overnight guest or Day Pass holder. Make use of over 20 pools open 24/7 to soak in or a Roman Spa just like you’d find in Europe.

Cap off your day with a flawless meal at the resort’s very own Talia Kitchen, which is truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

Ask for Isis and indulge in the chef’s latest dish I had the pleasure of sneak-previewing, Prime Back Loin Center Cut Local Swordfish.

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Cheap Stays & Rich Culture: These 4 Asian Cities Are Perfect For Sunny Winter Getaways

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The New Year has finally arrived! While many of us convince ourselves we’ll activate a hard reset at the turn of midnight with a sudden passion for the StairMaster, travel goals are always the most feasible.

Backed by a recent report showcasing the world’s best destinations to kick off 2025 with your budget in mind, Asia stands out the most.

Truth is, winter is an incredible time to globetrot, and not just nearby Caribbean Islands and Mexico’s hotspots.

Phnom Penh riverside at sunrise

Asia may seem like a far-flung land of bucket-list wonders, and it is, but let’s not take for granted how connected our skies have become.

You can travel to a majority of Asia’s metropolises with just a single layover from the U.S. For example, Thailand has no direct flights (for now), but still remains Southeast Asia’s tourism titan.

Offering visitors cheap stays and rich cultural experiences, in no particular order, these 4 Asian metropolises make for perfect sunny city breaks rather than shivering in your skivvies back home:

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Captivating Urban Sprawl

Tourist taking photo in Kuala Lumpur cityscape

How does 80 degrees in January sound?

Kuala Lumpur may not be a beach city, but it’s a sprawling metropolis brimming with wondrous sites, buzzing markets, and perhaps most notably, the Batu Caves, a vast cave system work the steep 272-step hike explore hidden Hindu temples and sweeping views of the city.

Malaysia’s capital is renowned for its safety, affordability, and phenomenal architecture, ranging from sky-scraping marvels to preserved structures of its former British colonization.

With an average price of $62/night, you’ll find cheap stays, no matter your preferred style of accommodations.

Rooftop pool in Kuala Lumpur

Luxury travelers will enjoy great rates at such places as 5-star Amari Kuala Lumpur for $71, and even the Ritz Carlton is only $160 on Priceline in February – unheard of!

If you do opt for opulence, check the amenities for rooftop pools like what Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Bangkok: Real Estate May Be Surging, But Hotels Are Still Affordable

Truth be told, I’ve been keeping an eye on Bangkok’s condo market as an Airbnb investment, and I think I missed my chance to score dirt-cheap condos.

Bangkok floating market vendors

The good news for travelers, however, is Bangkok still offers an array of fancy schmancy hotels to high-rise condo rentals for an incredible value.

With temperatures in the high 70s at this time of year, Bangkok is a splendid destination before the summer humidity takes over.

Between floating markets, night markets, rooftop bars, never-ending temples, and incomparable nightlife, travelers never have an issue finding their niche in Bangkok.

However, my personal favorite district is Chinatown (Yaowarat) for action-packed people-watching, sensational eats, and cheap shops to haggle.

Tourist Admiring The View Of A Temple Across Bangkok River, Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia

The Border Telegraph reports Bangkok’s hotels average out to $65/night, so visitors can easily treat themselves to high-end stays, such as the 5-star Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium beating the average at $61.

Ho Chi Minh City: An Insanely Cheap Gateway To Vietnam’s Wonders

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a vast urban jungle of sensory overload from the aromas of street food vendors, the sounds of an endless sea of scooters, and eye-popping sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral and intriguing museums like War Remnants Museum (only $1.57 admission)

A quiet street in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

There will never be a dull moment exploring this city, but most travelers prefer to run the gamut since there are so many more enticing destinations, from Da Nang’s beaches to Hanoi’s cultural delights.

No matter the reason for your trip, Ho Chi Minh is incredibly cheap, with sunny 78-degree days.

Like Bangkok, hotels average $65/night, but you can score great deals below the average, such as 4-star Odys Boutique Hotel for $36 or level up to a 5-star stay at Windsor Plaza Hotel for only $57 in February.

Phnom Penh: Southeast Asia’s Up-And-Coming City

Phnom Penh Night Market

Perhaps the least known on this list, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s vast capital city but is typically overshadowed by tourist hotspot Siem Reap, a much smaller city beaming with history and impeccably preserved sites like world-renowned Angor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Phnom Penh is ready to take center stage, though, as the Los Angeles Times just ran a feature on Cambodia’s newfound fame as an up-and-coming destination.

Prices are jaw-dropping here. This city of traditional markets, grand palaces, and more-than-affordable luxury makes for a great base as you discover Cambodia’s lush nature, immaculate ruins, and temples.

Upscale hotel room with city views in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The weather hovers around 78, and hotel rates average an even $50/night, but believe it or not, you can score luxury hotels like Snowbell Hotel for just $37 on Agoda.

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