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When you think of an idyllic European life, with Vespa rides, blood-orange sunsets, soft pistachio ice cream, and lounging for hours on a scenic beach, feet caressed by the warm Mediterranean, Italy, Croatia, or Greece probably come to mind.

But what if we told you there’s a lesser-known spot most Americans haven’t been to yet, and where you can still have all that, except for the ire-inducing Amalfi crowds and the ridiculous Santorini prices?

Located directly south of Dubrovnik, a short one-hour drive from the jam-packed fortified town, Montenegro offers equally-beautiful coastal scenery, rich culture, and dare we say, more affordable living:

Welcome To Montenegro, Croatia’s Less-Famous Sister

A small Balkan country only about 4.40 as big as Rhode Island, Montenegro may not look like much when you draw up a map of Europe, given its less-than-impressive landmass, and the fact it is surrounded by far-more famous countries.

An incredibly-popular Croatia sits right to its north, and if you keep driving south long enough, in 7 hours you’ll reach Greece.

That being said, it is by no means lacking in cultural attractions.

Its Dalmatian Coast, a direct continuation of Croatia’s own, is interspersed with scenic pebbly bays, hugged by waters of the most turquoise blue you’ve ever seen, and ancient harbor towns with centuries-old houses built from ocher stones.

If you’re wondering where to start, try Kotor:

Gorgeous Medieval Towns Untouched By The Passing Of Time

It is a medieval maze of cobble-paved pathways backed by limestone mountains—climb up St John’s Fortress forwater magnificent views of the winding, namesake Kotor Bay, explore the town’s numerous Romanesque churches, and sample ćevapi and pear rakija from a local eatery.

Nearby, Perast is a quaint fishing village distinguished by its spearing bell tower, and facing the landmark Our Lady of the Rocks, an islet home to a solitary church and museum, right in the middle of Kotor Bay.

For around $13, you can enjoy a sizable Margherita pizza with a local rose overlooking the water at Locanda, a well-known restaurant serving Mediterranean staples at reasonable prices.

Over in Herceg Novi, at the Western entrance of the Bay of Kotor, you’ll find yet another historic stronghold-city with a picture-perfect historic center, and a plethora of waterfront hotels starting from only $67-a-night.

Further down the coast, Budva is an up-and-coming leisure destination combining Old World allure and modern coastal resort appeal:

Beautiful Beaches & Luxurious Experiences

Its medieval core has Kotor’s timeless alleyways, yet smaller crowds, and the nearby sandy Mogren Beach has a refined beach bar where a sunbed and umbrella will cost you around $9 for the day.

For a more exclusive Montenegrin experience, Sveti Stefan is an ancient settlement on a small island accessible on foot via a bridge, home to a luxurious Aman resort that’s almost always booked out for the season, but you can try your luck here.

If you plan on staying in Montenegro a little longer than a week or two, either because you’re a digital nomad looking for somewhere to lie low a while, or a slow traveler keen on taking in the sights without rushing, you should head to Bar:

A lively seaport known for its leafy avenues, luxury condos and shopping scene, it is the best place to be based in for a mix of both vibrant city life and Dalmatian quaintness.

Renting an Airbnb in Bar will only set you back by $453-a-month, if you’re going for the budget-friendly listing, and based on Numbeo estimates for 2025, an inexpensive restaurant meal will average $9.70, while a pint of domestic beer is under $3.

If you’re looking for an affordable city, there’s of course Podgorica, the inland Montenegrin capital, away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

However, other than a tiny Old Town (with hardly any landmarks left) and rows upon rows of communist-era apartment blocks, there’s not much there that would pique your interest.

A Secret Historic Gem Nestled In The Black Mountains Of Montenegro

Montenegro is also home to a lush Mediterranean nature, and its Durmitor National Park has jagged peaks that are perfect for hiking, crystalline lakes that put Switzerland’s to shame, and deep gorges flanked by verdant forests.

Over in Biogradska Gora, in the very center of Bjelasica, a mountain massif, there is a nature preserve between two rivers, Tara and Lim, traversed with tourist-friendly footpaths and dotted with camping sites for the adventurous among us.

Of course, no visit to Montenegro is complete without Lovcen, the mountain looming over the Bay of Kotor, for one reason only: it’s precisely the karst massif’s dark color that gave the country its name, and historically, it proved a natural defense against invaders.

Montenegro’s former capital, Cetinje, a beautiful medieval gem with colorful houses and old royal palaces, bestrides Lovcen’s slopes, and it’s perfect as a base if you’re exploring the wider park and its many trails.

Montenegro Is Extremely Safe

Finally, for those dreaming of a summer or even moving to Montenegro, you should know it is one of Europe’s safest destinations.

Though we wouldn’t be the first to leave items unattended on a beach, this isn’t Barcelona or Paris: pickpocket rates are far lower, illegal immigration levels too, and as for overall crime, it tends to be better managed than corruption at a government level.

In other words, Americans have nothing to fear spending time in Montenegro, and they’re free to exercise their usual precautions, as the U.S. State Department confirms.

Need some time to think?

You can read more about Montenegro—and its many ancient wonders—clicking here.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Southern Living just released the ‘South’s Best of 2025′, covering categories from ‘Best Seafood Dives’, ‘Best Cruise Lines’, and of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the South without scoping out the ‘Best Beach Towns‘.

No offense to Southern living, but the big winner was a Georgia island we covered before their big reveal — and yes, it definitely lives up to the hype.

As for Florida, the Sunshine State always packs a punch, whether it be world-renowned cities or vibrant Caribbean-esque beaches.

In this case, a white sand island in the midst of making a significant comeback was crowned Florida’s top destination for 2025.

Hit hard not once, not twice, but three times by hurricanes in the past couple of years, Fort Myers’ Sanibel Island is ready to embrace vacationers yet again — with a caveat.

Before making plans, you should check the latest updates here for major announcements that could affect your vacation.

Florida’s Most Authentic Island: No Stoplights Or Eyesore Resorts

Us humans are an odd bunch.

One moment, we’re searching for the best of the best resort getaways, and the next, we’re seeking rustic small towns with old-timey soda fountains and cozy cottages to escape the city grind.

Sanibel offers a mix of both with a handful of resorts and small town charm, but the island is far from flashy, even with exclusive gated communities like the Kenzie Island neighborhood.

Beachgoers won’t find towering condos overpowering swaying palm trees; just a tranquil, unhurried pace of life to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, whether it be white-sand beaches wrapping the island or ample hiking trails within.

To prove a point about how laid-back Sanibel really is, there are not even stoplights here. Nor are there big-box chains.

Sanibel relies heavily on small businesses and embraces a sense of community, and few places would be happier to welcome you than the locals here as the island has been ravaged by Mother Nature’s wrath multiple times leaving a lasting dent on the economy.

But 2025 is the year Sanibel is turning a corner. So, when you’re seeking your next beach getaway, you can feel a little better knowing your money is reviving a tight-knit community’s beloved natural paradise.

Is Sanibel Island Really Florida’s Top Beach Destination?

We’ve covered numerous white sand paradise ranging from Mississippi’s Ship Island to lesser-known Florida hideaways.

With so many scenic escapes across the South (and particularly Florida), one has the right to question if Sanibel Island is really worth being crowned the top beach destination fresh off disastrous hurricanes.

If you ask me, it all boils down to what type of traveler you are. If you’re a rowdy springbreaker looking for the best beach parties, Sanibel isn’t for you.

If you’re in the 30-and-up crowd like me, then experiencing a serene setting along blue-water beaches and little crowds couldn’t be more enticing — and that’s the big draw for Sanibel.

Plus, it’s easy to reach from well-connected Fort Myers, and there’s plenty to do. I mean, even bucket-list paradises like Bora Bora have been dubbed “Boring Boring”, so what’s the point?

Sanibel is a beautiful island with just enough resorts, small-town charm, quaint cottages, and seemingly endless nature to explore that will captivate you.

In fact, many first-time vacationers wish they had booked one way flights here rather than have to go back home — that’s how alluring Sanibel can be.

Whether it be perusing shops along Periwinkle Way, biking 25 miles of trails, or indulging in southern staples at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, if you’re like everyone who visits, you won’t want to leave!

Albeit the one drawback from recent visitors has been the water coloration due to the aftermath of the hurricane, which seems to be hit or miss depending who you ask.

Sanibel’s Longstanding Claim To Fame

While snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even rocking the knee-high socks-and-sandals combo while treasure hunting is always fun, what visitors look most forward to in Sanibel is shelling.

In fact, it’s safe to say Sanibel is Florida’s unofficial shelling capital. Believe it or not, a Fort Myers news report claims one local beachcomber gets so excited to shell, she’s been nicknamed…wait for it…”Shelly”.

I guess we now know who sells seashells down by the seashore.

There are all types of shells washing ashore, but if you’re new to the shelling game, Southern Living claims finding a Junonia shell is basically like winning the lottery.

And if that doesn’t put an official stamp on ‘shelling capital’ status, then surely a visit to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 9 mins ago

There’s no shortage of paradises to choose from for digital nomads to pack their bags and jet off to, but there’s one more to add to the list, with a new airport expected to put this coastal gem on the map.

The Mediterranean is teeming with blue-water shores and laid-back communities embracing the nomad lifestyle, but not all of them can be crowned the best of Europe.

Fortune just released their list of ‘Best European Cities for Digital Nomads 2024′ and the top dog was a real surprise.

Albania has seen an influx of digital nomads since issuing an unofficial digital nomad visa in 2022, but many have opted to plant roots in the capital city, Tirana, among other quaint beach towns.

One is an absolute stunner, Vlorë. But we’ll go with the English version, Vlora, so I don’t have to keep inputting those weird dots.

Where In The World Is Vlora?

Vlora is Albania’s third largest city, located along pristine shores overlooking the Bay of Vlorë (those pesky dots again!), a passage almost a straight line from Italy’s trendiest escape, Lecce.

But this side of the passage will soon be Albania’s trendiest escape as the country continues to gain steam, largely in part to more hidden gems such as Vlora being uncovered.

This resort town is oozing potential as there are already ample upscale accommodations to enjoy for a serene vacation, but more notably, apartments can easily be scored for $400 per month.

Surrounded by more turquoise than a Santa Fe necklace, this delightful town is truly postcard-perfect when lounging at one of many idyllic beaches once you’re free from unnecessary Zoom calls.

According to TripAdvisor, these are Vlora’s top 3 beaches to scope out:

1. Gjipe Beach
2. Dhermi Beach
3. Pulabardha Beach

Being a rather large city, Vlore is decked out with charming Old Town cafes as well as co-working spaces, such as top-rated CoWorkingVlora, just a few blocks from the scenic Lungomare promenade.

While there’s already been an uptick in remote workers flocking here, expect even more cushy amenities to pop up once Vlora’s highly anticipated new airport opens.

Vlora’s New Airport Opens In March 2025

It’s important to note not all of Albania is well-developed. In other words, the backroads should be left to the pros.

Reaching Vlora will be so much easier come March 2025 when the new airport is slated to take flight for the first time.

Albania’s flagship carrier, Air Albania is leading the charge and you can surely expect other suitors as well.

Heck, if Ryanair is launching flights to Dakhla, Western Sahara of all places, don’t you think Vlora is on their radar?

For now, the easiest way to reach Vlora is by bus from Tirana, which is a well-connected city as Albania’s hype has soared.

For a more adventure option, you could also fly into Corfu or various Italian ports (Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce, as previously stated) and take a ferry.

Although, the more reasonable avenue may be simply to wait on more news regarding Vlora’s new flights.

Albania’s Digital Nomad Appeal

Albania as a whole is a great blend of cultural experiences, cheap living, and unbounded natural beauty. Oh, and the food is pretty top notch too comparable to Greek’s most notable dishes.

There are a multitude of reasons for general travelers to visit, but digital nomads can soak up the most benefits here.

Albania’s nomad-catered ‘Unique Permit’ was a nice selling point for remote workers, but what you may not know is you don’t need a visa at all up to one year.

That’s right; American tourists can stay within Albania’s border up to 12 months without the hassle of bureaucratic paperwork – just a stamp and you’re good to go.

The Unique Permit is a straightforward application process and offers nomads the options to stay up to 5 years.

Narrowing down to Vlora; there’s no better place to call home.

With $400 apartments, comfortable co-working spaces, and delightful cafes in one of Europe’s most underrated Old Town districts, your day-to-day backdrop couldn’t be more enchanting when perusing timeless streets or enjoying a beach day.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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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.

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Last Updated 4 weeks ago

Asia is one of the most in-demand continents for digital nomads globally.

Not only is it inherently fascinating, boasting an immense cultural wealth certain to appeal to Westerners, but it is also, for the most part, far more welcoming towards foreigners and incredibly cheap to live in.

If you don’t exactly fit in with the multi-million Dubai entrepreneurial crew, and Europe’s visa rules are far too complex to navigate, the Far Orient is the perfect home base for working while enjoying a higher quality of life––and spending far less on it.

On that note, here are 4 amazing Asian countries where both living costs can average $2,000 or under, and easy-to-apply Digital Nomad Visas are widely available:

Philippines

An archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia hugged by teal-colored seas, the Philippines is an up-and-coming nomad haven offering affordable options for long-term accommodation, inexpensive food, and great weather for most of the year (minus monsoon season).

Some of its busiest workcation hubs include Manila, a vibrant capital combining Spanish colonial forts and modern skyscrapers, Cebu City, where you’re as likely to find European-inspired Baroque cathedrals as you are Taoist temples, and tropical island getaway Palawan.

Based on Numbeo estimates, it costs roughly $869 per month to live in the Philippines with rent, with particularly-low prices observed for food and transportation: eating out in the Central Market in Manila, you can find a range of Filipino delicacies from only $3.57.

What Are The Requirements For The Philippines Digital Nomad Visa?

Normally, foreigners can only be in the Philippines for up to 30 days visa-free, but as reported by VisaGuide, nomads are eligible to stay for a rather-generous 2 years by applying for the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa.

Essentially, they must meet a certain income requirement, currently estimated to be over $24,000, provide a clean criminal record as well as proof of engagement in remote work, and health insurance covering the 2-year stay is also required.

The best part is nomads in the Philippines are considered non-tax residents, meaning they live in the country, but as they are not employed by a Philippines-based business, and thus not involved in local business activities, they aren’t subject to local income tax.

Thailand

Up next is Thailand, affectionately called The Land of Smiles, with bustling national capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai, a UNESCO-listed, temple-dotted city, and a beach-fringed Phuket Island, with all ranking as popular workcation spots.

Out of those, Bangkok is the definitive winner, owing it to its thriving expat scene, abundance of laptop-friendly eateries, legendary nightlife––probably the best anywhere in Asia––and most importantly, remarkable inexpensiveness.

Living costs will typically total $1,290 in Bangkok, if you’re eating local and your Airbnb rental is a 1-bedroom apartment in a residential zone, and though prices can increase slightly on the islands, Thailand as a whole remains budget-friendly.

What Are The Requirements For The Thailand Digital Nomad Visa?

Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa is pretty straight-forward, though it may not be suitable for middle-income workers: you must hold a passport currently valid for at least 6 months still and your annual income must mount up to over $80,000.

It’s not like relocating to Thailand as a nomad is exactly a breeze, compared to the 2-month visa-free stay as a tourist, but if you have the money for it, it’s entirely doable, and once approved, you may then remain in the country for up to 15 years!

There is yet another appealing benefit: instead of the 35% tax rate applicable to regular residents, nomads are granted a major discount, paying only 17% in taxes, and in some cases, they could be eligible for tax exemption if their income originates from overseas.

Japan

The darling of American in Asia, Japan is best-known for its sprawling urban centers, stunning nature, millennia-old rites and delectable cuisine, and despite not being as cheap as the other entries on this list, it’s been surging in popularity with digital nomads lately.

Whether it’s a neon-lit Tokyo, pagoda-dominated Kyoto, or an electric Osaka, there are co-working spaces galore, and if you’re not the splurging type, there are plenty of cheap eats in restaurants costing from as little as $6.95, not to mention monthly rental starts from $626.66.

Overall, Numbeo reports it costs an approximated $1,641 – $2,215 to live on a budget in a major city––that’s definitely on the pricier end for Asia, but we don’t know a single nomadic American who wouldn’t be happy living in dreamy Japan on under $3,000 a month.

What Are The Requirements For The Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

As an American citizen, you can already enter Japan visa-free for up to 3 months, and there are no known restrictions on carrying out remote work from within the country, so long as your source of income isn’t Japan-based and your primary reason for traveling is tourism.

That being said, you may opt for the just-launched Japan Digital Nomad Visa, granting you a 6-month stay––double the tourist visa––and believe it or not, the financial threshold for eligibility is lower than Thailand’s!

Other than the usual documentation and background checks, like health insurance, a clean criminal record and proof of online job, you must earn a minimum 10 million Japanese yen annually (don’t worry, that translates into a reasonable $69,666 as of October 2024).

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

↓ 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!

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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.