On your next trip to Jeju-do Island, South Korea, take a tour of Psyche World Butterfly Park. This charming park, nestled on the …
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Psyche World Butterfly Park, Jeju Island Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia
Pink Sand Beaches & Ritzy Resorts: Leave Your Winter Blues Behind For This Underrated Island
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When Americans daydream of their next island getaway, oftentimes, their vacation options boil down to the Caribbean or Hawaii.
But, there’s a stunning island just as close, just as dreamy, and completely safe to visit despite lingering tales of mysterious mishaps.
Now that December has arrived, many Americans are beginning to feel the chill of winter, activating their sense of wanderlust for sunny escapes even more.
Recently featured as one of the top 8 ‘easy winter sun destinations‘, the gorgeous island of Bermuda stands out the most with pink sand beaches, ritzy resorts, and a fairly new airline making this underrated island easier to reach than ever before.
Experience A Sunny Slice Of The U.K.
Afternoon tea, proper pronunciations, immaculate British colonial architecture in a land run by a Queen – You might be thinking London, but this also sums up Bermuda.
As a British Overseas Territory, the U.K. vibes are palpable throughout the scenic towns dotting the 21-mile-long island, especially in UNESCO-listed St. George’s and the capital, Hamilton.
While you won’t see too many dreary days like London’s notorious drab winter weather, this sunny English-speaking paradise is big on cricket matches, tea time, and wrong-way drivers (at least to Americans).
While Hamilton is a far cry from the vastness of London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, the best of U.K.’s delights can be enjoyed right here in Bermuda, from Hamilton’s historic streets to tasty fish and chips with a Bermudan twist, like Hog Penny Pub.
Blue Waters & Pink Sand: Bermuda’s Beaches Are Stunnin’!
Bermuda no longer has to be primarily a cruise destination as Bermuda’s 2023 launch of BermudAir makes reaching this North Atlantic island a breeze from:
- New York
- Boston
- Washington D.C.
- Philadelphia
- Orlando
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Atlanta
- Charlotte
With more connectivity, Bermuda has found itself on more travelers’ radars in search of sun and sand – but not just any ordinary sand.
The Caribbean may be known for vivid blue waters and sugar-white sand, but Bermuda sets all alone in the North Atlantic as the black sheep of your vacation options.
Boasting pink sand in the most popular beach destination of Horseshoe Bay, as well as other gems speckled around the island, there are few places close to the States that measure up to Bermuda’s unique beauty.
You can also find pink sand at:
- Church Bay
- John Smith’s Bay
- Warwick Long Bay
Horseshoe Bay is definitely the most sought-after for its idyllic beach days and unforgettable memories.
Not all of Bermuda’s beaches are pink, but even Barbie would be hard-pressed to come across any shores that would disappoint.
Take Tobacco Bay, for example, another popular coastal gem. Yet, Tobacco Bay boasts rocky cliffs, crystalline waters, soft, light sand, and a vibrant array of aquatic life for snorkelers.
For what it’s worth, Bermuda is widely acclaimed as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
Bermuda’s Ritzy Resorts
If there is ever a time to splurge on a vacation, it’s to escape your winter blues. While Bermuda is certainly not the cheapest tropical getaway, it doesn’t have to break the bank either.
It’s definitely not St. Barth’s, but it’s also not Punta Cana, either.
Sitting fat and happy somewhere in between are Bermuda’s luxe resorts. Even though Bermuda is only 21 miles long and roughly a 1 mile wide, there are numerous opulent stays with oceanfront views, including some very familiar names synonymous with luxury.
One of the most notable is Rosewood Bermuda, a 5-star resort offering upscale dining and world-class spa services in a prime location.
In the same breath is Loren At Pink Beach (5-star) and St. Regis (4-star) – all three will cost more than a pretty penny, typically upwards of $450 per night.
There are resorts lined around all of Bermuda’s gorgeous coastlines, and some are much more palatable for your wallet.
These 3 beach resorts are in the $300 range this winter:
- Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa
- Pampano Beach Club
- Coco Reef Resort (low $ 200s)
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This Surprising Caribbean Island Ranked The Cheapest Fall Getaway
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With its high-end resorts and exclusive fine dining experiences, the Caribbean might not be your first choice for a budget getaway.
But according to a new report from Squaremouth, one Caribbean island is the cheapest spot for American travelers to choose if you’re looking for a budget fall getaway this year.
I’m talking about the Bahamas, and I’m just as surprised as you are!
The same study found that traveling this fall will cost 30% more than it did last year, making this the most expensive fall travel season to date.
Wondering whether the Squaremouth research is right on the money? Here’s a breakdown of costs to visit the Bahamas to work out just how affordable it can be:
Flying To The Bahamas
There are 4 international airports in the Bahamas:
- Nassau
- George Town
- Freeport
- Marsh Harbor
They all offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. this fall.
The cheapest airport to fly into is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.
This is also the busiest airport in the Bahamas and is considered the most important airport in the Caribbean, so I will focus on this one when listing example prices.
Getting to Nassau is a breeze, with direct flights from a whopping 10 U.S. airports this fall.
These are:
- Miami
- New York
- Fort Lauderdale
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Atlanta
- Houston
- Boston
- Charlotte
- West Palm Beach
Flying from Miami to Nassau from October 15 to October 22 nonstop in an economy class seat will cost $245 flying with Bahamas Air.
Alternatively if you would prefer a U.S airline then for $265 you could choose American Airlines on the same dates.
This flight route has an incredibly appealing flight time of just 1 hour.
Alternatively you could fly from New York to Nassau. Flying from October 13 to October 19 nonstop will cost $258.
This is with Delta, and has a 3 hour 10 minute flight time.
Staying In The Bahamas
There are plenty of options for travelers on all kinds of budgets to visit the Bahamas, but the focus here will be on budget stays.
And with 700 different Bahaman islands to choose from, narrowing down where exactly you want to stay should be your first job before you pick a hotel.
Grand Bahama is the most northerly of the main islands, and has a reputation for being the most budget friendly. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches but with a less eye-watering price tag!
On the Tripadvisor rating of the best 10 budget-friendly hotels in the Bahamas, 3 of the top options cost less than $200 per night for stays in October.
These are the:
- Saint Francis Resort And Marina. This offers incredible views of the ocean and the harbor, and guests are particularly complimentary about the friendly and welcoming staff. The Saint Francis Resort And Marina is considered the ‘best little resort’ in a Bahamas.
- Pelican Bay Hotel. Friendly staff,and a great location close to an abundance of great hotels, this is a small hotel that offers everything a budget traveler could need.
- Sandyport Beach Resort. This is a beachfront resort that’s right by the ocean and in a bustling area, so suited to travelers keen to explore. You’re in walking distance of shops and restaurants, but the resort has everything you need if you don’t want to leave the pool!
Things To Do In The Bahamas
One of the very best things to do in the Bahamas doesn’t have to cost a penny. Relaxing on perfect white sand beaches!
If you pack your snorkel and mask, then many beaches have shallow areas that are ideal for snorkeling.
Pearl Island, just northwest of Nassau, is considered the best snorkeling location in the Bahamas.
Provided you stick to public beaches or the beach attached to your hotel or resort, spending the day on the beach or snorkeling from the shore doesn’t have to cost you a single cent!
If you prefer diving then the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and The Abacosall feature a host of world-renowned dive sites.
If you fancy yourself an international man (or woman) of mystery then the James Bond Wrecks is one of the most famous dive sites in the Bahamas. Located off the coast of New Providence, you can book trips with the Reef Oasis Dive Club.
Dive packages start from $61 per person.
Finally, the most popular and famous excursion that takes place in the Bahamas is a visit to see the swimming pigs.
You can arrange this with Exuma Water Tours, though I admit it’s more of a splurge than a budget day out.
A half-day pig swimming tour on a 36-foot power boat with reef snorkeling and blow hole swimming, as well as the chance to swim with the pigs, will cost $190 per person.
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Why Tourists Are Swapping Cancun For This Less Crowded, More Authentic Island Getaway
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Love it or hate it, Cancun is the most popular destination for Americans going abroad this winter: for some, it just can’t be beat on the hospitality front, what with the numerous luxury resorts, bustling shopping scene, and of course, beautiful beachfront.
That being said, a growing number of visitors seem to have had enough of Cancun–or, to be more specific, its surging crowds–and are now banking on this paradisiacal island lying just off the Yucatanese coast.
It has unspoiled beaches running along crystal-clear oceans for several long miles, it feels far more peaceful and offbeat, and it offers something Cancun can’t: ancient culture.
Welcome To Cozumel
The largest island off the coast of Mexico, Cozumel is experiencing a well-deserved tourism revival at the minute, as vacationers swap the jam-packed Riviera Maya for less-busy alternatives––and it doesn’t get more laid-back than an island getaway.
According to a new report by Expedia, it is particularly popular among young travelers right now, who do not have children, are flying to Mexico primarily for relaxation and some much-needed quality time in the sun, and no longer feel Cancun’s mega resorts meet their needs.
All you got to do is look at the figures for both: while Cancun is home to a whopping 189 properties, as listed on Booking.com, Cozumel has 45; Cancun is a coastal metropolis over 800,000 people call home, whereas the entire population of Cozumel is 88,626.
Last but not least, Cancun hosts over 10 million international guests yearly, so it never feels exactly idyllic, even when you’re lounging by a private beach––Cozumel, on the other hand, receives an average 2 million visitors per year.
Cozumel Is Perfect For Beating The Riviera Crowds
Expedia’s report is particularly timely, seeing Cancun is gearing up for another record-breaking season, with occupation within the Hotel Zone already 90%, and it’s not even December: great news for the local tourism industry… not-so-great news for crowd-wary vacationers.
Lucky for them, Cozumel offers a plethora of unspoiled playas and tourist attractions that are not as crowded:
Think Playa Palancar, with its vibrant-colored reefs and soft, white sands, the snorkeling hotspot that is Playa Corona, or the well-frequented Paradise Beach, a beach club playing uptempo beats and serving food and drinks all day.
For families, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is the place to go, offering a wide range of amenities, including oceanfront pools, restaurants and water slides for the kids, and if you’re a nature enthusiast, Chankanaab National Park has verdant areas, jungle trails, and secluded beaches.
Costing $29 to enter, it is one of the largest protected reserves in the Mexican Caribbean, and it’s also a popular port of call for cruise ships, so if you want to experience it in all its glory, without the day-trippers, we suggest going early or later in the day.
Cozumel Has The Culture Cancun Doesn’t
Another advantage Cozumel has over Cancun is it wasn’t built in the 70s to accommodate American tourists:
It’s an island that’s been inhabited for thousands of years, and it has the cultural wealth to back it up, with Mayan ruins scattered around its 184.5 square miles, some as old as 800 AD, like El Cedral, a group of Mayan dwellings lying in ruins near the namesake town.
Cozumel’s most relevant historical site is San Gervasio, an ensemble of monuments and temples attributed to a cult to Mayan jaguar goddess Ixchel––some of the main structures include Las Manitas, where local leader Lord Itzá de Cozumel lived, Casa Alta and the Central Plaza.
Even in Chankanaab there are Mayan landmarks, or should we say, replicas of them: if you’re visiting the park, make sure you stop by its collection of reconstructed Mayan temples, the famous reclining Chacmool statue, and the colossal Olmec heads.
Looking For Unique Experiences?
Expedia has noted there is an increasing preference for more unique experiences among visitors to the Mexican Caribbean.
In other words, lying by the poolside all day sipping mimosas no longer satisfies their wanderlust, and they’re craving more… well, it’s not like Cozumel is lacking in cultural attractions, with its historic sites, authentic villages and thrilling tours:
Tourists can, for instance, opt to visit San Gervasio with a jeep tour, passing by unforgettable landscapes and undeveloped jungle on their way to the abandoned Mayan settlement, for $95.34 per person on GetYourGuide.
Small-group buggy tours starting at $143 are also offered in Punta Sur, where some of the most pristine beaches on the island are found, and if you’re a water baby, you’ll love this guided excursion of Cozumel’s Mayan treasures, topped with free time in the exclusive Playa Uvas.
Cozumel is one of the top trendiest destinations for the upcoming year-–again, according to Expedia––and it’s not hard to see why.
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Epic Eats & Otherworldly Nature: Discover Asia’s Most Underrated Island
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How is it possible nearly 12 million people visit a place you’ve likely never heard of each year?
The same way we all have our beloved secret getaways close to home, the same goes for Asia.
Travelers have been enjoying idyllic escapes to South Korea’s lesser-known paradise for years.
Seoul is always abuzz and thrilling to visit, but Jeju Island invites travelers to experience Korea’s charm in a more peaceful atmosphere highlighted by epic eats and otherworldly nature.
According to local publication, JoongAng Daily, more travelers have been trickling in this year and now it’s ready for the world stage.
Despite being mostly unknown to Western travelers, Jeju isn’t a far-flung remote island unequipped for a spike in tourism; there are ritzy name-brand hotels and centuries of astounding culture waiting for you.
Jeju Island: Closer Than You Think
How many cool places across the world would you be willing to sit through layover after layover to reach?
Being such a drag and energy zapper, that’s a promise I’ve made to myself not to do anymore unless it’s truly unique.
Jeju might be an exception, but the good news is that you can easily reach this 2 million-year-old island with a single connection.
With so many nonstop flights to Seoul, Taipei, and numerous Chinese cities, Jeju is a lot closer and easier to reach than you might think.
This volcanic wonder is set south of South Korea’s mainland in the Korea Strait alone, unlike other Asian countries with paradisal blips dotting the map.
Winter makes for a great time to visit with ideal weather for exploring the island. Agoda notes ‘crisp air’ and ‘minimal rainfall’ perfect for scenic hikes , especially with free entry to place like Hallasan National Park.
Jeju’s Otherworldly Nature & Postcard Villages
When we hear the word ‘island’, we automatically think of pristine beaches. In Jeju’s case, there’s far more to discover.
Take Jeongbang Falls, for example, the only waterfall to crash into the sea; an absolute must on your trip!
Then there’s Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO-protected site that’s an excellent stop for sunsets and to take in the island’s past volcanic past visit a huge crater than only be described as other-planetary.
Of course, this island has its fair share of incredible beaches to visit, such as Hamdeok, Hyeopjae, and Yongmeori, rounding out TripAdvisor’s top suggestions, but exploring other natural attractions is what will truly captivate you.
The island is teeming with scenic waterfalls, but the most amazing otherworldly experience may be paying a visit to Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest naturally formed lava tubes on Earth.
When visiting Korea, you may not think of such an astounding nature. It’s likely that the food, culture, and bright lights of Seoul come to mind.
But don’t sleep on Jeju’s postcard villages, which make for a great alternative to Seoul’s popular Hanok Village since the new implementation of curfews and fines to combat overtourism concerns next spring.
Jeju Folk Village is a restored village from the 1800s, displaying more than 100 structures and historical remnants.
Seongeup Folk Village is another worthy photo-op where locals have been calling this place home continuously for over 600 years – and don’t skip the Green Tea Cave nearby!
Kimchi, BBQ & Incredible Seafood: Add Some Spice To Your Life In Jeju!
Surely, you’ve realized Chinese takeout and cheap supermarket sushi aren’t the only Asian delights back home.
The U.S. has seen an explosion of Korean restaurants largely highlighted by Korean BBQ garnished by Korea’s spice of life, kimchi, a spicy staple made of fermented vegetables and chilis (and very healthy!).
In Jeju, you can have the real deal at various markets, street vendors, and top-rated restaurants, much of which you’ll find in Jeju City, the island’s largest population.
Albeit winter makes for a great time to visit local citrus farms to sample Jeju mandarins too. Here are some savory dishes to keep an eye for when it’s time to feast:
- Black Pork BBQ
- Gogi Guksu (pork broth-based noodle soup; great for chilly nights!)
- Haemultang (seafood-based soup; equally great for nippy weather!)
Seafood is the claim to fame around here as ingredients are proudly locally sourced. According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 3 seafood restaurants to visit (all with perfect ratings!):
- Gozip Dol Wooluck – Jungmun
- Gozip Dol Wooluck – Hamdok
- Gozipfish – Topdong
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This Lesser-Known Caribbean Island Welcomes Digital Nomads For One Year
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Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and snow will blanket much of the U.S. before we know it.
The good news is that there are still plenty of places to visit for winter sun, and perhaps no type of traveler knows this better than digital nomads.
This newfound travel trend of recent years has quite literally taken over the globe, where remote workers bounce around the world with their laptops in tow.
Chances are not many digital nomads have Iceland, Norway, or Sweden in their sights for the coming months, but the Caribbean is another story.
Why suffer through a frigid winter with such a flexible lifestyle?
While Cancun, Punta Cana, and even Curacao make for great bases, there’s one little-known island welcoming digital nomads for a full year – and the ‘Remote Workers Stamp‘ is a straightforward process to get approved.
Montserrat: A Blip On The Map Ready To Make A Name For Itself
Ever heard of Montserrat? Most people would say no.
This tiny island between St. Kitts & Nevis and Guadeloupe, a pair of other lesser-known gems in their own right, sandwich Montserrat in the open sea.
This British Overseas Territory is a stunner, though. Boasting postcard landscapes from black sand beaches given its volcanic past, along with lush jungles, and vivid blue waters, this place doesn’t sound too shabby of a work environment, does it?
Recently hyped up as one of the world’s ‘top 25 beach destinations for digital nomads’, local publication Montserrat Focus backs the claim that their beloved island is an ‘ideal spot’ and could be your ‘private paradise office’.
Before and after Zoom meetings, you can shut your laptop and swim in crystalline waters, explore numerous hiking trails (including ancient sites), kayak hidden coves, and join local community events like group yoga classes.
Don’t let size be a deciding factor; Monserrat packs a punch and is ready to become a digital nomad hub.
Montserrat’s ‘Remote Worker Stamp’
Sometimes digital nomads find loopholes in certain countries without an official digital nomad visa.
Oftentimes countries allow tourists to stay within their borders 30, 60, or 90 days, but are a little behind the times with the new digital nomad craze.
Montserrat is already with the program, launching their ‘Remote Worker Stamp’ program back in 2021, so no need to try to “sneak in,” so to speak.
Applying is super easy. You simply go to this website and fill out a brief form, submit it, and you’ll hear back within 7 days.
The cost is $500 to apply for a single individual for a 12-month stay. There are some requirements to be considered:
- Must prove $70,000 income
- Must prove you work for a foreign company*
- Must carry valid health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
- Must provide a police record
- Must provide passport and photo (passport size)
*To bypass the requirement of a foreign company, you may also offer freelance/consulting services.
Being on the low end of Caribbean crime statistics, you couldn’t feel more at home with friendly locals and being able to go out and about without feeling like your head is on a swivel.
For those who prioritize speedy wifi for their work tasks, Montserrat’s average speed is 20Mbs.
Affordability
Montserrat ranked 26th on VisaGuide’s 2023 Digital Nomad Index – not too bad for such a microscopic island.
While income requirements are higher than the average digital nomad visa, living in Montserrat is quite doable.
According to the same report just mentioned, cost of living won’t deter you as there are far more popular digital nomad destinations with higher costs across the board.
For example, rent is about $1000 (slightly more for serviced apartments on Airbnb) in the capital, Brades.
Many of which are spacious with designated working spaces, but towns like Brades have great cafes like Saje Cafe, where iced lattes and sandwiches are under $5.
Obviously, rent is the highest expense, but there are so many free things to do outdoors, as Montserrat’s astounding nature is practically begging to be explored—paddleboard through Little Bay, read a book at Spanish Point, or visit the free Montserrat Volcano Observatory.
The only other high-cost option might be a flight since there are no direct connections from the U.S. For a full list of flight options, click here.
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