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Japan may be able to 3-D print a brand new train station at the drop of a hat, but Mexico is a little behind the times.

As such, a new airport is more than worthy of celebrating. It’s not every day that travelers have a new destination to travel to, especially one that is so close to home.

No, we’re not talking about Tulum. That’s old news.

Next on the docket is Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of stunning coastline receiving a new international airport and best of all, the first-ever flight from the U.S. is already slated for launch this summer with more surely to follow suit.

But, there’s a caveat.

Mexico’s newest airport wasn’t built beachside like that of Cabo, Cancun or most recently, Tulum. Nope – it’s set in a historic city ready to celebrate is 500th birthday soon and seems to already be skipped over in favor of the lesser-known beach towns dotting the coast.

What’s the rush? A weekend getaway in fascinating Tepic, with its vast agave fields, buzzing plazas, and incredibly affordable stays, is the perfect start to Mexico’s rising tourism star, Riviera Nayarit.

One Of Mexico’s Most Authentic And Safe Destinations

Tepic, the capital city of Nayarit, is still relatively unknown. If you were to scour through travelers’ plans who plan to fly in, it’s likely you still wouldn’t see Tepic listed as more than flying in and getting out of dodge straight for a treasure trove of coastal gems nearby.

Mexico undoubtedly has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but the same can be said of the country’s urban sprawls, which are beaming with magnetizing culture, authentic cuisine, and cobbled streets serving as portals to the past.

That’s Tepic. This practically unknown city offers those willing to give it a chance to experience real Mexico, the type of place even parts of Mexico City struggle to genuinely offer nowadays in the face of overtourism/gentrification concerns.

Tepic is the anti-Mexico City, not that one of the biggest cities in the world isn’t a wondrous labyrinth of sensory-overload experiences.

Here in Tepic you’ll find a refreshing take as there’s no Starbucks anchoring corner retail slots or inauthentic chains taking away from Mexico’s magic.

While it’s always wise to remain aware of your surroundings, the State of Nayarit currently holds a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution designation by the U.S. State Department with no specific mention of Tepic as a place to worry about safety.

But given how Tepic flies well below the radar, expect to stand out like a sore thumb, at least for now.

Cheap Stays & Surprising Attractions: Tepic Is A Delight To Explore

Don’t expect to burn through the points you’ve racked up in Tepic; many of the city’s hotels are independently owned or within a cluster of conglomerates most Americans aren’t cardholders.

Since the lone nonstop flight from U.S. grounds isn’t slated until July, let’s focus on the best summer deals.

3-star stays:

• Hotel Saint George – $52
• Nk Hotel Nekié Tepic – $52
• Fiesta Inn Tepic – $54
• Hotel Hacienda las Higueras – $65
• Hotel Vista Valle – $65

4-star stays:

• Case Marianous Hotel Boutique – $48
• Hotel Fray Juniperro Serra – $60
• Hotel Real de Don Juan – $82

Now that you have your base, you’re probably wondering what there is there is other than to do what you would do in any other Mexican city. You know, find a centrally located restaurant patio, feast on local eats with an ice cold cerveza — there’s always that.

But, Tepic has some surprising attractions too. Despite it’s soon-to-be 500 year timeline of history, it’s not only eye-popping sites like Catedral de Tepic that are a draw, it’s Tepic astounding nature too.

Whether it be agave fields, staggering volcanoes, or Santa Maria del Oro, a vibrant lagoon set at the foothills of Tepic’s scenic mountain backdrop, this underrated city is practically an open invitation for outdoor adventures.

Plus, the weather doesn’t see unbearable temps like other parts of Mexico. Expect highs in the mid-80s practically year-round.

Volaris’ Groundbreaking Flight To Tepic

Tepic has been open to domestic travelers for quite some time, but international travelers, particularly Americans, should be extra excited this summer as popular Mexican airline Volaris recently announced the first-ever direct flight to Tepic from the U.S.

Scheduled to launch July 16, 2025, Volaris will fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tepic (TPQ). Tickets are already on sale on Volaris’ official website and painstakingly frustrating app.

Travel tip: When booking flights with Volaris, always check for promo codes first! I recently scored a round-trip flight to Peru for just $250!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Americans love traveling to Ireland. In fact, statistics show U.S. tourists spend more and stay longer than any other demographic.

So, it’s not surprising there are more nonstop flights being offered.

Dublin has long been the main starting point to some epic Irish adventures across one of the prettiest countries in Europe.

As great as Dublin may be, there is now another option to explore some of the most stunning sites Ireland has to offer.

Delta will be flying to Ireland 33 times per week this summer, including the latest addition to their route network.

Being revived for the first time since 2019, Americans will be able to fly nonstop to the incredible town of Shannon and the surrounding area with cultural cities, fairytale castles, and otherworldly coastal views.

Why Shannon?

Major cities like Dublin are great to visit, but they can lose their luster when it comes to authenticity.

Sure, there are definitely historic sites, old traditions, and incredible cuisine that still hold true today, but when street corner after street corner has a McDonald’s or Starbucks, how authentic can it be?

Rarely do you ever hear about a trip to Dublin that was disappointing, but Ireland has so much more to offer, especially when it comes to charming small towns, eye-popping coastlines, and even more pubs with open barstools.

That’s where Shannon comes into play as an excellent gateway to a different side of Ireland away from the hustle and bustle, giving travelers ample opportunities to get in tune with nature and fascinating ancient attractions.

Majestic Coastline Rivaling Everyone

France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece – what do these have in common?

Incredible beaches, stunning views…and insanely delicious food. You can’t deny that…

You can throw in Iceland and Norway, among others, for some of the most incredible natural settings in Europe.

But even as popular as Ireland is with travelers, you still don’t hear about the drop-dead gorgeous landscapes as much as other European countries.

Being able to fly nonstop to Shannon will change that, as a visit to the Cliffs of Moher is an absolute must!

Famous for its unique formations, lush greenery, and picture-perfect coastal views, this is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Ireland and less than an hour from Shannon.

Crowds are common, so if tourists are looking for similar scenery, locals recommend Kilkee Cliffs, which fly under the radar.

No Better Place For Storybook Castles – And You Can Stay In One!

Ireland and castles go together like peanut butter and jelly. If castles aren’t your jam, then you’re in the wrong place.

Entering Shannon, you’re basically entering castle country. Beyond the stunning coastline and delightful small towns, there are ancient sites and historic castle dotted throughout the region.

King John’s Castle may be the most notable and memorable to visit. Dating back to the 1200s, this historic gem is located in nearby Limerick, another cool town worth a visit.

Tours are offered 7 days a week for all ages. Prices vary with individual ‘Adult’ tickets starting at $15.

To level up your castle game, there is one castle converted into a hotel accepting bookings.

The 5-star Dromoland Castle is perfect for a luxurious getaway you’ll never forget.

Delta Brings Back Route To Shannon

Taking off earlier this week, Delta revived their route to Shannon with daily service after years of being suspended.

Best of all, there may be no better time to book as the mega popular airline is celebrating the occasion by offering round-trip flights as low as $550.

The only downer seems to be that it’s a red-eye flight taking off from New York City (JFK) at 11:20pm.

Sometimes flight routes seem exciting in the beginning stages only to ultimately be cancelled, but that doesn’t seem to be the case at all with Shannon.

In fact, Delta has already increased seat capacity and upgraded to an impressive Boeing 767-300ER just for this route.

What’s even more impressive is I wrote this entire article without making a Lucky Charms reference…

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Is there any bad time for beach season? Negative.

Delta has doubled down on that fact by announcing a plethora of exciting new flights to not one, not two, not three, but seven stunning international beach destinations!

Some are household names, while others are still rising in the ranks. But hey, that just means fewer crowds to deal with.

Bottom line — there’s no doubt you can go wrong with any of these paradisal getaways.

Think crystal-clear waters, flashy resorts, and all the delights Mexico and the Caribbean have to offer, whether you’re visiting to indulge in endless cocktails at the swim-up bar or simply looking to escape the city grind wasting away in a beachside hammock.

No matter your preference, Delta has got you covered with their latest launch, which is slated for later this year.

Delta’s New Flights To Caribbean Islands

Who wants to go to the Caribbean?! Well, that’s probably a dumb question. Who would say no?

Delta is giving you more options as if the Caribbean wasn’t teeming with enough postcard island getaways.

According to Airline Geeks, Delta is adding 11 new routes, but not all are to some of the prettiest beaches imaginable.

No offense to Los Angeles, but Santa Monica needs a bit of a cleanup, don’t ya think?

The Caribbean, however, is brimming with white-sand hideaways from notable names such as Punta Cana, which Delta is also increasing capacity from Atlanta.

But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty — the 5 proper Caribbean destinations Delta will be serving with new flights (don’t worry; we’ll get to Mexico in a sec).

Let’s start with some Caribbean up-and-comers, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which, as just announced, is breaking all-time visitor records, and Grenada, which has seen 26 straight months of continued growth.

Both these pristine, lesser-known island retreats will soon be served by Atlanta.

Now for the rest, with more notable names:

• Minneapolis to Nassau, Bahamas
• Detroit to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (check out American’s historic new flight too!)
• Atlanta to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Boston to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Delta’s New Routes To Mexico’s Icons

You know where this is going…

As if Cancun needed any more connections, Delta just said “hold my cerveza“.

Americans’ favorite international beach vacation spot is becoming even easier to reach with a new flight from 3 U.S. cities:

• Nashville
• Kansas City
• Indianapolis

But, here’s the kicker: the new Cancun routes will only be offered on Saturdays, so plan accordingly. Although, Detroit lucked out a bit with additional flights being added to their already existing route.

When you land, don’t forget to take the new $7 shuttle to avoid the ongoing feud between taxis and Ubers.

Scroll back up and notice I said ‘icons’ — plural. That’s right; Delta is also launching a new flight to Cabo.

Austin is the big winner for this new route with daily service to Baja’s numero uno paradise, but let’s hope the airfare doesn’t top the resort rates — yikes!

While Cabo is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Baja, and always one of Mexico’s most visited cities, you might be surprised to know Cabo has also become more of a gateway to nearby beach destinations, such as the small coastal town of Todos Santos with vibrant culture and posh stays, or La Paz, a bigger city known for epic seafood cuisine and one of Latin America’s most beautiful beaches, Balandra.

All of Delta’s new routes are slated to launch December 20, 2025.

Delta Recap: The Popular Airline Is Going Big This Year!

In case you missed it in March, Delta made another major announcement for some thrilling off-path destinations Americans can reach easier than ever before.

Going beyond the glitz and glamour of Cancun and The Bahamas, Delta is betting big on travelers’ sense of adventure in 2025.

Here are 3 more of Delta’s ventures into international territory:

• Atlanta – Marrakech
• Atlanta – Accra
• Los Angeles – Melbourne

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Dreaming of a sip of that frothy, pitch-black Guinness in a dimly-lit alley lined with pubs, to the sound of Gaelic buskers?

Or maybe exploring fairytale castles nestled deep in a verdant hinterland, where few have trodden before?

You know, the stuff of legendary kings and chivalric tales.

Ireland is calling, and it’s high time you answered in 2025, but if you think overtouristed Dublin is the answer to those cravings, we’d urge you to reconsider unless you’re ok with paying $10 or more for industrialized lager, and seeing more kebab shops per square mile than you would in Istanbul.

Looking for a truer, more authentic version of Ireland? You should head instead to the West Coast, that is in fact a shorter flight from America and away from the spoils of globalization:

Why Swap Dublin For The West Coast Of Ireland?

Though not that many U.S. travelers know this, Dublin is not the only airport they can fly to nonstop when planning an Ireland trip.

They can choose to land instead in Shannon Airport, which serves the West Coast, or how poets have called it over the centuries, the Wild Atlantic Way, where the drab suburbs give way to lush hills, moon-like landscapes, and castle-dotted rugged scenery.

We’ll get to those flights in a bit, but what is it about West Ireland, exactly, that makes it such a magical destination?

It’s only natural we start with Limerick, the largest city around these ends, and one that’s a short 25-minute drive from Shannon Airport.

Limerick

A large city in the Western half of Ireland, Ireland’s third-biggest, at that, Limerick is best-known for its charming Old Town, where stone-paved streets run along rows upon rows of Georgian-era houses, and the monumental King John’s Castle.

A 13th-century fortification, it is perched on the River Shannon waterfront, and it’s among Ireland’s most historically-significant sites, founded by Norman lords to defend the territory against native Gaelic uprisings at the time of Ireland’s conquest.

As a university city, Limerick is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and if you think Dublin’s Temple Bar is all the rage, wait until you’re walking up O’Connell Street, a main thoroughfare flanked by centuries-old pubs serving Guinness pints for €6.30, and where you can almost always find live music.

Charming Towns Galore

You didn’t just swap Dublin for yet another booze-filled city break: in order to truly take in the beauty of the West Coast of Ireland, you must take a ‘wee’ detour to some of its small villages, still preserving their Gaelic heritage, and full of Old World allure.

Think Adare, known for its thatched-roof cottages and medieval church; Doolin, a small, traditional Irish town with a big pub scene and friendly locals; or Kinvara, a fishing village revolving around a picturesque Dunguaire Castle.

The historic city of Galway, popular for its pub-packed Latin Quarter and scenic bay, is also a one-hour drive from Shannon Airport, and it’s often used by tourists as base for exploring the wider County Clare, home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landmarks.

Beautiful Coastal Scenery

Speaking of nature, those who fly into Dublin and only stay locally are missing out on a number of Ireland’s most notorious gems: the West Coast’s pride and joy, the Cliffs of Moher, are a series of sea cliffs stretching for 5 miles, some rising 702 feet above the Atlantic.

Nearby, the Burren is Ireland’s moon-like, karst desert, resulting from rainwater slowly dissolving the limestone over thousands of years, and over in the Loop Head Peninsula, you’ll find more breathtaking cliffs, sandy beaches and the landmark Loop Head Lighthouse.

All of these spots are within easy access of large cities like Limerick and Galway by car, but if you’re not driving, there are countless companies taking visitors on full-day, guided tours of major attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, from as little as €50.

The West Coast Of Ireland Is Generally Cheaper Than Dublin

This ties into our next point: Dublin is infamous for being one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, where a pint of beer will cost upwards of €10, in touristy areas like Temple Bar, and the average price of a pub meal is €28 (as per Budget Your Trip estimates).

Out West, prices tend to be on the cheaper end, owing it to the off-path appeal of most of the region, and its rural character—expect to pay €10 to €20 for a typical pub meal, and between €5 and €7 for a pint of frothy Guinnnes.

As far as accommodation goes, Ireland is not exactly the most budget-friendly of destinations, though there are some good deals to be found, especially at the Old Quarter Townhouse in Limerick, where a single room will set you back by €125-a-night, or the Wards Hotel in Galway (€88).

Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Shannon Airport

Onto those flights now: if you’re wondering how accessible the West Coast of Ireland is for Americans, it’s an even-shorter flight than Dublin, that sits on the East Coast.

Shannon Airport (SNN) is much smaller than Dublin Airport (DUB), so options flying there are more limited, but it still hosts flights from 4 major U.S. hubs:

• Boston (BOS)—1 flight per day with Aer Lingus
• Chicago (ORD)—1 flight per day with United
• Newark (EWR)—1 flight per day with United
• New York (JFK)—1 flight per day with Delta or Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is the flag carrier airline for Ireland, and the average price for an Aer Lingus flight from New York to Shannon stars from only €521 round-trip.

Naturally, prices are based on season and seat availability.

As for the flight duration from the East Coast of America, from somewhere like Boston, it is as short as 5h50.

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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Well, well, well… in a time when it seems we’re seeing more airline bankruptcies than start-ups, one new U.K.-based airline is going for gold and hoping to strike it rich with a bold endeavor.

Usually, an airline starts out slow and gains a loyal fan base, but Global Airlines is already venturing ‘across the pond’ to lure in American passengers, whizzing them through the skies to one of the U.K.’s most fascinating cities.

This is news to me as I follow airlines like a hawk, hoping to scoop up a great deal no matter whose name is painted on the side.

Lucky for East Coasters, they can do so too and even have a chance (ever so slightly as it may be) to score tickets before they go live.

If adventure is pulling at your heartstrings this spring (and why wouldn’t it be?), let’s dive into everything you need to know to be one of Global Airlines’ first passengers jetting off from New York to the timeless city of Glasgow, Scotland.

A Refreshing Take On Travel: Global Airlines Sounds Promising

While it may be tempting to rack up points with your favorite airline, sometimes cheating on them works out better, and you don’t have to be discreet about it.

Global Airlines is just starting out, but don’t let that deter you. You won’t be a guinea pig here.

Obtaining FAA clearance for American skies is quite an accomplishment, so just know you’re in good hands flying Global, especially on their new fleet of Airbus A380 jumbo jets.

Plus, there’s no Netflix doc on Airbus, ya know?

Starting an airline is a gargantuan task; that’s why you tend to see more going out of business, especially with the state of the world right now, where even notoriously cheap Spirit has had trouble staying afloat when travelers are scoping out ways to save money.

I gotta say, after taking a deep dive into Global Airlines origins, I’m equally jealous as I am impressed.

Founded in 2021 by ‘renowned travel personality and serial entrepreneur’, James Asquith, has accomplished my dream by visiting196 nations, so who better to know the ins and outs of air travel?

If you believe the hype, expect Global Airlines to try to disrupt the airline industry, but hopefully not the same way Ryanair has teased with standing-room only bookings.

Geared toward customer satisfaction, Global Airlines appears to have some undisclosed tricks up their sleeve to tackle ‘long security queues, late flights, lost luggage, inedible food and constant poor customer service’, according to their official website.

Time will tell. If they want capture American travelers’ hearts, maybe offer free checked bags, amirite?

For now, we do know Global will offer standard seating of the usual Economy, Business or First Class with surely more news to come about their flight experience.

Great Scot! Fly Direct to Scotland’s Largest City

According to The Scottish Sun, Global Airlines first transatlantic flight to Glasgow will launch May 19, 2025, departing from New York (JFK) to Glasgow (GLA) at 8 am.

Global has partnered with another lesser-known airline, Hi Fly, with a “wet-lease” agreement to make this happen.

Tickets are bit tricky right now, so don’t mark your calendars just yet. If you’re wanting to be one of the first to sign up, you need to register for their presale.

You can do so by clicking here. Personally, I recommend following their Facebook page for frequent updates.

There are no other direct routes from Glasgow to the U.S.

Why Visit Glasgow?

Glasgow is a perfect balance of old-world charm and eye-popping modernization.

One street beholds some of the most astounding architecture in the U.K, and turn a corner and you’ll see modern structures rising beside centuries-old landmarks and vibrant murals illuminating what otherwise might seem like drab streets.

Despite being Scotland’s largest city, you’ll feel right at home here, which can’t be said for some of Europe’s most popular cities as overtourism has become a talking point across the continent.

It’s said that ‘People Make Glasgow’; it’s truly one of the most fun-spirited cities you’ll ever visit.

Perhaps best of all, if you’re itching to visit the U.K. but worried about blowing your budget through London, Glasgow is a lot more wallet-friendly.

For example, book a Queen Roo at trendy YOTEL Glasgow for $73. Yeah, try that in London…

If you prefer to cash/earn points, check out the Courtyard Glasgow SEC for a little more at $86, or live like royalty at a ‘castle’ at Sherbrooke Castle Hotel Glasgow for $183.

As for ordering a traditional plate of haggis – you’ve been warned!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 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

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No more excuses.

Too often, regular Joes and Janes miss out on Mexico’s wonders because they’re glued to mainstream news trashing our southern neighbor despite statistics clearly showing the vast majority of Americans vacationing south of the border make it back home unscathed after the trip of a lifetime.

News just dropped that the first-ever U.S. flight will soon fly to one of Mexico’s safest destinations — a truly stunning destination that’s yet to be discovered by even seasoned travelers since it’s been harder to reach.

Set north of Puerto Vallarta and stretching over 200 miles lies the sprawling region of vibrant coastal towns and secluded beaches of Riviera Nayarit, where a new international terminal has been in the works for years.

Rumors have swirled regarding who will be the first U.S. destination connecting to this largely undiscovered sprawl of beaches and hidden gems and the first airline to skid the runway—and now we have answers to both.

Fly Nonstop From Los Angeles To Tepic This Summer

West Coasters are the lucky winners for the first-ever U.S. route to Riviera Nayarit. The 4th most connected U.S. airport is now adding yet another awesome international destination to its already impressive portfolio of routes.

The announcement is such a big deal the State Governor of Riviera Nayarit is the one who broke the news. Gavin Newsom was too busy combing his hair…

Slated to launch July 16, 2025, travelers can already purchase tickets online for the monumental flight.

Surely more U.S.-based airlines will join the chat at some point, but for now, Mexico-based Volaris is the only option.

For what it’s worth, I really enjoy flying with them because of their frequent sales to score cheap flights across Mexico (if only the pesky TUA tack on the bottom line!).

As of this posting, one-way tickets are as low as $85 in August. See what I was saying about those sale prices?

The New Tulum?

In a sense, travelers could look at Riviera Nayarit as “the new Tulum” as far as becoming Mexico’s new hotspot.

Just how travelers formerly had to fly into Cancun and make the hours-long trek south, it’s been the same way for Riviera Nayarit’s cluster of beaches lining the coast as you would have to fly into Puerto Vallarta, which is also why a new highway was built.

But here is the kicker: Tepic is not at all a beach town. So, if you want to experience real Mexico, you can easily make time to explore a timeless city before hitting up the coast.

In fact, Tepic is one of Mexico’s most underrated cities. Dating back 500 years, it’s stood the test of time with remarkable landmarks like Catedral de Tepic amongst picturesque plazas.

Not only is it a delight to explore for photo-ops, it’s safe and super affordable. Should you want to make a day trip or weekend getaway, charming Hotel Saint George is only $47 and walkable to the aforementioned cathedral and numerous cozy cafes and authentic eateries.

But let’s be real. You didn’t lose 5 lbs. and pack your swimwear to show off in Tepic; you’re eying the coast.

Best Beaches To Visit: What You’ll Discover In Riviera Nayarit

With over 200 miles to cover, there are definitely hidden gems we’ll miss here. That being said, there are some notable rising beach towns creeping up on travelers’ radars.

Costa Canuva:

Costa Canuva is the perfect example of why Tepic’s new terminal will benefit the region. This well-kept secret is an understated resort town, but it’s stayed hush-hush because it’s been quite a journey from Puerto Vallarta.

Aside from postcard beaches, Costa Canuva boasts underrated luxury hotels, a PGA-standard golf course, and miles of nature trails.

Rincon De Guayabitos:

If you’re looking for a place where you can leave your belongings on the beach without a bandito snatching your beach bag, Rincon De Guayabitos is just the place.

This small coastal town is safe, welcoming, and down right beautiful with calm waters and even a hot spring to enjoy.

Punta Mita:

I’m gonna leave this one brief as a tease since I’m traveling to Punta Mita next weekend.

This star-studded peninsula is laden with luxurious resorts and stunning beaches. Vacationers in Puerto Vallarta have found themselves skirting this way to avoid the crowds and in turn driving a new resort haven, which draws curious travelers like me who’ve heard of Punta Mita’s wonders through the grapevine.

Stay tuned for more!

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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I’m a huge fan of low-cost airlines.

Ultra-low-cost carriers may not offer any frills, but they do give us the opportunity to explore new destinations on a very tight budget.

Frontier has demonstrated this perfectly this week by offering flights on its newest routes for as little as $29!  

Frontier is officially the fastest-growing airline in Atlanta thanks to a huge expansion that has seen departures increase from the hub by 40% year on year.  

Much more interestingly, this means that they’ve added new flights to new destinations from Atlanta. And these two overseas hotspots stand out from the crowd.  

New Flight From Atlanta to Aruba 

From May 24, Frontier will introduce a new weekly service from Atlanta to Oranjestad in Aruba. This will operate every Saturday throughout the summer months.  

The advertised rates for this route are ‘from $69’ each way, so how much will flights really cost?  

The cost of a return, nonstop flight for one traveler flying on June 14 and returning on June 21 is $309.

This is for a basic fare ticket which doesn’t include a carry on bag, checked bag, or the option to choose your own seat.  

If you want to add these extras then, as is the case with most low-cost airlines, these will be subject to an extra charge.  

Why Visit Aruba?  

There’s so much to love about Aruba. It is famed for its stunningly beautiful beaches, abundance of water sports, hiking in Arikok National Park, and laid-back vibes.  

Oranjestad is the main arrival point for visitors to Aruba, but its more than just a transport hub, it’s well worth exploring in its own right.

The city is famed for its brightly colored Dutch architecture and is a cultural melting pot of delicious foods and fun nightlife.  

It’s worth noting that Oranjestad is Aruba’s largest city as well as the main port of the island, so don’t be surprised to find that the streets are almost always busy and bustling with tourists.  

Want to get away to somewhere a little quieter? Head to the island’s western coast where the waters are warm and calm, but you’ll find fewer tourists here. Rodger’s Beach and Druif Beach are considered the two best beaches on this side of the island.  

New Flight From Atlanta to Honduras
 

From June 12, Frontier will add a new flight from Atlanta to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to its schedule.  

This flight will operate three times a week, giving you more flexibility with the duration of your vacation. Frontier is advertising rates starting ‘from $59’ on this route.  

The cost of a return, nonstop flight for one traveler flying on June 17 and returning on June 24 is currently $243.  

Like the flight to Aruba, this is based on a basic fare ticket, but it’s worth noting that if you do want to take a carry on bag and to have the ability to choose your own seat then you can upgrade to the Economy Bundle for an additional $58. This includes carry on luggage and seat selection, but doesn’t include hold luggage.  

Why Visit San Pedro Sula?  

San Pedro Sula is located in the North of Honduas and is considered one of the country’s main transport hubs, acting a gateway to more obvious tourist attractions.

From here Copan, the Caribbean Coast, and the Bay Islands are all easily accessible.  

One of the closest beaches to San Pedro Sula and one of the best spots for travelers is the vast sands of Tela. Tela is famed for boasting the best beaches in Honduras and is an incredible scuba diving destination.  

Other attractions in Tela include the Lancetilla Botanical Garden, which is home to rare plant species from around the world, and the protected Punta Sal National Park, which is home to mangroves and coral reefs.  

While there’s so much to see and do, Tela is a great place to relax and unwind.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 23 hours ago

While most Americans venturing south of the border will find themselves in Cancun, Cabo, or Mexico City, there’s another historic city that’s becoming far easier to reach this year.

Better yet, it’s on very few travelers’ radars, so you don’t have to deal with the headache of tourist crowds and inauthentic experiences.

Not only will travelers have 4 U.S. airports in total to choose from, but also 3 different airlines, including American.

Boasting Old World charm with centuries-old structures, San Luis Potosi is a sight to behold not only for its timeless treasures but its relatively undiscovered natural attractions too.

Best of all, this under-hyped city is one of Mexico’s safest destinations, making it all the more enjoyable to explore now that there are more ways to get here.

Why Visit San Luis Potosi?

Mexico used to be solely viewed as a beach destination by Americans, but Mexico City has since soared to new heights.

Following suit, places like Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca have become popular city breaks in their own right.

Some travelers have felt they’ve worn out their welcome in Oaxaca and Mexico City, in particular, as overtourism concerns have been well-documented.

When it comes to Mexico’s hidden gems, there’s more authenticity, better prices, and less crowds standing in your way,

San Luis Potosi certainly fits the mold. Not only can you explore charming cobbled streets and historic marvels, you can score the luxe Hilton San Luis Potosi for just $87 this spring.

The one must-see in the city center is the unmissable San Luis Potosi Cathedral, which has been anchoring the vibrant cityscape since 1593.

There are numerous postcard-worthy plazas to wander while you’re here, such as Plaza Fundadores and Plaza de Aranzazu.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying Bocoles or Enchiladas Potasinas, a pair of regional favorites.

Waterfalls & Vivid Lakes: Discover San Luis Potosi’s Natural Attractions

To most, Mexico is a mix of paradisal beach towns, culturally rich cities, and a handful of no-go zones.

While this is certainly true, what people sleep on is Mexico’s astounding nature aside from the aforementioned beach havens.

You might not think of Mexico as the place to go chasing waterfalls, but San Luis Potosi is just the place, actually.

La Huasteca Potosina is home to cascading falls like Tamul Waterfall, and crystal-clear rivers, swimming holes, and breathtaking cave systems.

There are ample tours to book from the city. Ruta Huasteca Expediciones is rated #1 on TripAdvisor.

New Volaris Flights

I might be a little biased since I live close to the border, but Volaris is one of my top go-to’s for cheap flights, especially since it seems they run insanely cheap sales every month.

Mexico City-based Volaris connects almost anywhere in Mexico, but they are slowly but surely expanding their presence in the U.S., giving Americans the opportunity to explore what seems like uncharted territory for the average traveler.

According to their website, Mexico’s top low-cost carrier just announced 30 new flights, but the most exciting ones connect a trio of Texas cities to San Luis Potosi (SLP).

Volaris is launching new flights from San Antonio (SAT), Houston (IAH), and Dallas (DFW) in July, with expected service three times per week for SAT and IAH and four flights per week for DFW.

New Aeromexico Flight

If you haven’t heard of Volaris, that’s okay. Surely, you’ve heard of Mexico’s flagship airline, Aeromexico.

Following Volaris’ unintentional Southern theme, another city from the South is getting a direct flight to San Luis Potosi.

Beginning June 5, 2025, Aeromexico will begin operating daily flights to SLP from Atlanta (ATL).

If you’ve never flown with Aeromexico before, know they are a SkyTeam member, making connections via Delta easy peasy.

U.S. Airlines Flying To San Luis Potosi

While Volaris and Aeromexico may be gaining the attention with new flights, American Airlines and United Airlines are the only U.S.-based carriers offering direct flights to SLP.

For what it’s worth, both of these Mexican airlines are deemed safe; otherwise, they wouldn’t have clearance for American skies.

But earning points can be tough, especially for Volaris. In that case, going with United or American is surely your best bet, given that they currently offer flights from Dallas and Houston, two of Volaris’ new destinations.

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 6 mins ago

If you want to spend your spring break sunbathing on a stunning tropical beach, then Southwest has got you covered, especially if you live in or around Nashville!  

The airline has launched two brand new flights from Nashville to tropical beach destinations just in time for the start of spring. Both flights will launch on March 8 and are seasonal flights that won’t run in the winter months.  

The destinations?

You can now choose to fly from Nashville to either Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic or Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.  

Here’s everything you need to know about these new flight routes.  

Brand New Options From Nashville  

From March 8 2025 you can fly nonstop between Nashville and Punta Cana as well as Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos.

Initially, these nonstop flights will only operate on Saturdays, meaning that you will be able to take week-long vacations in the sun, but you can’t use these flights to plan shorter getaways.  

Southwest already offers a nonstop route from Nashville to Cancun, but these two new routes will give people in the area even more convenient options for their next international vacation.  

The all-important question when any new international service is launched is how much will it cost! Both of these flight routes are already available to book on the Southwest Airlines website.  

Firs,t I looked at the prices for a nonstop return flight from Nashville to Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos. These flights are from Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29, shortly after this new route launches.  

The outbound flight currently costs $582, and the inbound flight currently costs $543. Meaning the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,124, including taxes and fees.  

If you’d rather enjoy the complete relaxation offered by island life then I also looked at the price for tickets between Nashville and Punta Cana. This must be the more popular route because economy tickets were sold out for the March dates I looked at above.  

These prices are based on flights from Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, April 12. The outbound flight currently costs $454 and the inbound flight currently costs $632.

This means the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,086, including taxes and fees.  

The ticket prices for these two new flight routes are very similar, so ticket price needn’t be a factor in which destination you choose.  

It’s worth noting that these prices are based on a ‘Wanna Get Away’ ticket, which is the cheapest economy flight ticket offered by Southwest Airlines.

This ticket is non-refundable, and you will also have to pay extra to select your seats. But two bags are included for free with all Southwest tickets.   

Punta Cana or Los Cabos?  

If you’re an international globe trotter, then you might be able to visit Los Cabos and Punta Cana this year. But if you only have the time (and the cash!) to visit one of these destinations, which one is best for you?

Both destinations are tropical paradises with spectacular white sand beaches.  

But while the landscapes in Punta Cana are fringed with palm trees and tropical jungle, you’ll find desert views (and the dry desert climate to go with it) in Los Cabos.  

Both destinations are blessed with excellent all-inclusive resorts, but if you’re on a tight budget, you’re likely to find a wider range of budget accommodations and restaurants in Punta Cana than you will in Los Cabos.

Los Cabos is a famously luxurious and high-end destination, so this is a better option if you’re looking for opulence at any price.  

Looking to party the night away? Punta Cana should be your first choice. The nightlife here is incredibly vibrant. There are plenty of nightlife options and a lively party atmosphere in the town.  

By contrast, the nightlife in Los Cabos focuses on chic rooftop lounges and high-end restaurants. Both options are a lot of fun, but Punta Cana is better suited to a younger party-ready crowd.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 5 days ago

Ancient history, rich culture, and some of my favorite food in Europe. The reasons for visiting Athens this summer are endless.  

And now we’ve got one more reason to add to that list: A new budget nonstop flight from LAX straight to the City of Wisdom.  

This will be the only nonstop route between Los Angeles and Athens, making it easier than ever to visit this iconic Greek hub.  

A New Route For Norse Atlantic  

Norse Atlantic will operate this new nonstop transatlantic flight and will offer the budget fare options that the brand is known for.  

If you’re not familiar with Norse Atlantic, they’re a relatively new Norwegian low-cost airline, having only been founded in 2021. This isn’t the only transatlantic flight from Los Angeles operated by Norse Atlantic. They already fly nonstop from LAX to London, Paris, and Rome. 

The new route to Athens will launch on June 3^rd 2025 and will operate 4 times a week with fights on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Giving sought-after flexibility to your travel dates.  

Flights are already available to book now, so I did a little research to see how much they would cost.

Flying out on Friday, 6th, June, and returning on Friday, 13th, June, will cost $372 for the outbound flight and $236 for the inbound flight, giving a total price of $608.  

It’s worth noting that for roundtrip flights, a discount of up to 20% is applied, so these prices will be a little higher if you only want to fly one way for whatever reason.  

As is always the case when you choose a low-cost airline, the price will increase if you want any extras. The prices above are based on the cheapest ‘economy light’ tickets, which give you one personal item and one carry-on bag but don’t include any checked baggage. 

You will also be the last to board and won’t receive an in-flight meal if you select this ticket. This may be tricky when the outbound flight will take 12 hours 40, and the inbound flight will take 13 hours 30!  

To upgrade to an ‘economy class’ ticket, which includes an in-flight meal service and one checked bag, will cost an additional $72 each way at the time of writing.  

Why Visit Athens?  

Athens is often referred to as the cradle of Western Civilization, and if you have any interest in mythology, art, or history then there’s nowhere better to visit.  

One of the first things you should do in Athens is visit its many archeological wonders. The Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus often attract huge crowds of tourists, but for good reason. They’re spectacular and well worth exploring.  

Make sure you allow for plenty of downtime, though: Greek hospitality is legendary, and although the ingredients are simple, there’s no such thing as a simple meal. You’ll find that you’re encouraged to take your time when eating, and the service is so warm and attentive. Eating out in Athens is an experience!  

In fact, the people in Greece are one of the main attractions of the country for tourists. They’re warm and welcoming, and because the Greek economy relies so heavily on tourism, they’re genuinely pleased to see you.  

Whether you’re buying souvenirs or lost and asking for directions, expect big smiles and warm conversation.  

Of course, you can’t visit Greece without going to the beach, and Athens is well-connected to several highly regarded beaches. Edem Beach in Palio Faliro is a free-to-enter beach in the Athens Riviera and incredibly easy to get to from the city center.  

Want to explore a little further afield? As well as being well worth visiting in its own right, Athens is also the gateway to wider Greece.

Head to Athens port, and you’ll find regular boats to the islands of Aegina, Spetses, Poros, Hydra, and Andros.  

At just a 40-minute ferry ride away, Aegina is the closest Greek island to Athens and is a popular weekend getaway for locals. If you’re looking for a day trip or a short break, this is a great choice.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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