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When you think of remote tropical islands surrounded by turquoise seas and home to luxury all-inclusive resorts, the Maldives are probably at the top of your head.
Known precisely for being less accessible than all your usual Caribbean hotspots—thus, more exclusive—the Indian Ocean country is seen by many as the ultimate sunny getaway:
People will save up for years to spend a single week lounging on its paradisaical beaches.
But what if we told there’s an even more offbeat Maldives dupe that’s not as expensive, and despite its relative anonymity, at least among Americans, has been rising fast in popularity lately?
Last year, the lesser-known island-nation of Cape Verde, lying off the coast of West Africa, has set new tourism records, hosting over 1.2 million guests.
Though it may not seem like much, this is a country that, similarly to the Maldives, only has about 522,000 inhabitants.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the country, you should know Cape Verde comprises 10 main islands, scattered loosely in an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.
Its official language is Portuguese, by virtue of having been a Portuguese colony, and its culture is largely informed by a mix of Southern European, West African, and even Brazilian influences.
Let’s talk islands:
The Maldives comparisons likely arise from the island of Sal (Portuguese for Salt), a paradisaical gem surrounded by the turquoise-most seas you’ve ever seen, and where powdered-sugar, white sands extend for miles on end.
Sal is primarily a resort destination, with its hotel-lined beachfront and plethora of beaches.
Staying in the main town, Santa Maria, a small village by any means, with a laid-back atmosphere and a big choice of seafood restaurants, you should expect to pay between $40 (for a one-bedroom holiday rental apartment), and $201 (for an all-inclusive hotel like Meliá).
As you might have noticed, even a luxurious beach getaway in Cape Verde, or Sal specifically, is unlikely to hurt your wallet, with the average price of hotels set at $133, compared to the Maldives’ much-pricier $234.
On top of accommodation, food in Cape Verde is generally affordable: ordering cachupa, a hearty stew of corn, beans, veggies and meat, from a local eatery will cost you around 550 Cape Verdean escudos, or approximately $5.51, while a pint of beer is an equally-cheap $3—3.76.
Granted, you won’t find the latter’s stunning rustic villas built on the water, connected by wooden pathways, but if it’s simply sunshine and relaxation you’re after, not the photo ops, it leaves nothing to be desired.
Plus, Cape Verde offers a lot more diversity than the Maldives ever could.
The Maldives has many more islands, yet they’re largely similar in nature: they all have pristine beaches, vibrant-colored coral reefs, and crystalline seas. Unless you’ve booked yourself a resort with a wide range of amenities, it gets boring after a day or two.
Over in Cape Verde, the beaches of Sal, as dreamy as they may be, are not the only attraction around here:
For desert-like landscapes and even more secluded sandy beaches, Boa Vista is an offbeat island catering primarily to wellness-seekers and home to a limited number of guesthouses.
Staying in a single room at the privately-managed B&B Salinas, in Sal Rei, only a few steps from the beach, will run you up a mere $34-a-night.
In Santo Antão, the scenery is dramatically different: the sand-filled plains give way to towering, lush green mountains, traversed with hiking trails that lead to quaint, centuries-old villages that have barely seen the passing of time.
In short, it’s a nature lover’s paradise, and if you’ve ever been to Madeira, in Portugal, and ended up falling in love with it, you’ll feel no different towards its little brother.
Brava, on the other hand, has a bit of both worlds: it boasts pristine coves bathed by crystal-clear seas, rugged coastal drives, and flower-clad hills—it’s no wonder it’s called Island of Flowers.
Fogo (Portuguese for ‘fire’) has surreal volcanic landscapes, including a still-very-active Pico do Fogo, low hills dotted with colonial-era coffee plantations, and black-sand beaches (São Filipe Beach, a short drive from the namesake town, is particularly scenic).
Finally, for the culture buffs among us, you’ll find a beautifully-preserved colonial-era capital in Praia, located on Santiago Island: the Old Town, or Cidade Velha, is a petite version of Lisbon without the crowds, and the local food scene is simply unparalleled.
For Portuguese-inspired sweets, you should pay the hugely-popular Pão de Açucar bakery a visit (best pastel de nata we’ve ever tried outside Portugal).
For the all-you-can-eat Brazilian-style barbecue, Churrascaria Pirata is a no-frills rodizio restaurant featuring a variety of grilled meats.
Finally, if you’re craving a taste of native cuisine, don’t miss out on the traditional Kaza Katxupa, which features a signature corn soup and freshly caught fish doused in West African spices.
It can be, but only if you play it smart.
Much like the Maldives, getting to Cape Verde from the United States can be a bit tricky, not exactly because it is incredibly remote (not at all), but due to the absence of direct flights.
In the case of the Maldives, flights can take anywhere from 18 to a whopping 30 hours, depending on your U.S. departure point, and involve connections in one or more countries in Asia or the Middle East.
In the case of Cape Verde, it is in fact way more accessible, especially if you’re flying from the East Coast.
Once again, it lies off the coast of West Africa, and if you flew a straight line from any island Cape Verde, all the way across the Atlantic, you’d end up somewhere like Puerto Rico, or even Central America.
America may not have nonstop flights to Cape Verde, but once you get to Europe, a multitude of options are laid out before you:
Remember, Cape Verde is an up-and-coming sunny getaway for Europeans, and numerous European airlines offer cheap flights to the islands of Santiago and Sal from as little as $212 one-way.
Flying from New York to Paris (Charles de Gaulle), or Lisbon (LIS), two of the best-connected hubs for flying to Cape Verde, you can then change flights, either to Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) in Sal, or Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia.
It’s been a tricky world to navigate now that entry rules are tightening across the board, but the good news is, Cape Verde continues to welcome Americans visa-free, so long as they’re visiting as tourists, and for not longer than 30 days.
Make sure you bring a valid passport with enough blank pages, and proof of outbound or return tickets in order to ensure a smooth border control experience.
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We all know Rome is an instantly recognizable icon that lures all levels of travelers, from first-timers to the most seasoned of us with beat-up passports.
As such, we all know Rome’s crowds can be a bit out of control. Perhaps more so in a Jubilee Year. Not to trash one of the world’s most renowned cities, but it’s safe to say 2025 isn’t the best year to visit for the best possible experience.
According to Travel + Leisure, one local innkeeper was quoted as saying, ““If you’re coming in 2025, you should plan ahead for accommodation, sights like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, for all the things you need reservations and tickets for”.
Plus, Rome’s new tourist taxes are taking a bite from your coffee budget, and what better country to indulge in velvety cappuccinos?
Rome aside, there’s obviously a treasure trove of premiere destinations to immerse in Italy’s fascinating timeline, such as the romantic streets of Florence, ancient wonders of Pompeii, or whatever you believe about the Shroud of Turin, which has garnered more attention as of late with new findings.
But hey, let’s not sleep on Italy’s postcard coastlines either, where you don’t have to venture all the way down to the Amalfi Coast or Sicily.
Just 1 hour from Rome lies one of Italy’s most hush-hush paradises — and TimeOut just let the cat out of the bag.
Terracina is located on Italy’s Pontine Coast. Between Rome and Naples lies numerous secluded beach towns falling in the shadow of this pair of cultural cities.
With many tourists being more food and wine focused, beach getaways fall to the wayside, leaving a cluster of coastal paradises relatively undiscovered by mainstream travelers who care more about Rome’s Colosseum and Naples’ endless rows of pizza parlors.
TimeOut believes Terracina stands out the most, despite Sperlonga, Sabaudia, and Nettuno being worthwhile beach hideaways in their own right.
Terracina is perched between the foothills of Monte Sant’Angelo and the vibrant Tyrrhenian Sea, boasting a charming waterfront promenade and timeless Old Town giving a glimpse into the bygone era of Romans, while also embracing more modern acclaim as a seafood hub with TimeOut-backed Vicoletto.
For what its’ worth, Old Town Terracina is renowned by visitors on TripAdvisor with one recent tourist claiming ‘Terracina surprised us! Walking on the ancient pavement of the square transforms the visitor into a real Roman citizen’.
Where to start? Terracina is speckled with gleaming blue-water shores from the jump, connecting from each end of town to aforementioned neighbors.
Spiaggia Sperlonga is Terracina’s top-reviewed beach on Google (technically one town over). One beachgoer said it’s a ‘clean beach, possibility of long walks, fantastic sunsets, kiosks present with excellent food’.
Fiumetta Beach is another top-rated beach, but locals are ashamed of the trash left behind. According to recent reviews, the aftermath of a many-a good times has presented painful moments of stepping on beer caps, which might be worse than LEGO pieces!
There are numerous beach hotels to choose from whether in Terracina proper or the connecting towns of Porte Dabino.
There you’ll find one of travelers’ favorite stays, Torre del Sol, a 4-star beachfront hotel with fantastic sea views and a $3 shuttle to go out and about town.
As for Terracina, you simply can’t beat the serenity of Hotel Acquasanta, which is nestled away from the “action” on a private beach and won’t break the bank at about $130 per night.
Given Terracina is home to just 44,000 residents, you’ve probably gathered there’s no direct flight here.
The easiest journey is to fly into Rome and hop aboard a train that takes 51 to 69 minutes, depending on the schedule that day.
Operated by Trenitalia, you can purchase tickets on their official website or popular third parties like Omio.
Best of all, it’s as low as $4, according to Trainline. The official website has it listed for $6 most days.
Local publication Terracina Online claims the $16 Leonardo Express takes arriving tourists from Rome’s Fiumicino airport to Rome Termini, where there’s a direct train to Terracina every hour.
You could also take a train from Naples, also operated by Trenitalia, but expect to tack on another 30 to 45 minutes to your trip as well as a few more dollars.
Omio has $10 tickets on sale from Naples.
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Croatia is a country of many islands- over 1,000 to be somewhat exact- and you’re likely to have heard of a trendy Hvar, an up-and-coming alternative to Ibiza, the resort-filled Krk at some point, or the idyllic Brač and its white-pebble beaches at some point.
Croatian islands are nowhere near Greece’s level of popularity, but they’re getting there, and every passing year feels busier than the last one.
If you’re dreaming of an idyllic Mediterranean summer island-hopping around the Adriatic nation, your options aren’t limited to the top 3 most popular:
According to the experts at Condé Nast Traveller, these are 5 practically unheard-of Croatian islands you can hop around this summer, with cheaper prices and almost no crowds:
Literally called the ‘long island’, Dugi Otok lies off the coast of Zadar, and it’s best known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, boasting diverse landscapes, including sea cliffs and serene bays bathed by turquoise seas, and pleasant temps year-round.
Its main attraction, Telašćica is a coastal preserve lined with secluded coves, including a handful of naturist spots, and if you’re here primarily for swimming, you should know the white-sand Sakarun routinely features on lists of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches.
Other landmarks include the Veli Rat Lighthouse, one of the tallest in the country, and the quaint Sali, the largest settlement, where houses are built from stone, and a seafood main and some local wine will set you back by around $15.
Vis is distinguished for being the most remote island in Croatia: it is the farthest one from the mainland, and you can only reach it by boat, usually from the bustling port city of Split, which only adds to its unspoiled character and historic charm.
From Vis Town, the picturesque capital, to the sleepy fishing village of Komiža, there’s plenty of sightseeing opportunities, not to mention the numerous beaches: Stiniva, for instance, has little to no crowds, and its seas are of the turquoise-most blue.
Speaking of blue, Vis is a popular day trip for Split-based guests thanks to its Blue Cave, or Biševo, where the water seems to almost glow in an ethereal-like blue light, and its rich Vugava white: if you’re a wine lover, a tour of the ancient wineries costs only $60.
For the culture buffs out there, you might want to check out Rab, a tiny island accessible from the port of Stinica, revolving around a tiny Rab Town: the main settlement, it is dotted with Romanesque bell towers and criss-crossed with medieval, cobbled alleys.
Outside Rab Town, you should visit the aptly-named Paradise Beach (or Rajska Plaža), near Lopar, the busiest beach on the island thanks to its sandy banks and shallow, clear waters—well-frequented, but nowhere near the mainland’s staggering levels of overtourism.
Staying overnight? Arbium has double rooms, with pool access, from as cheap as $53-a-night, and you can add a ‘superb’ breakfast for only $9 extra, though we would recommend you also try the capuccino and fresh pastries at the nearby Felix Caffe Bar.
Within easy reach of Dubrovnik with the short-distance ferry, Korčula may form a tiny landmass, but it is by no means devoid of natural or even man-made wonders: picture fine-pebble beaches, vineyard-dotted hills, and an intact medieval capital.
Korčula Town is often referred to as the ‘Little Dubrovnik’, due to being completely surrounded by walls, similarly to its mainland counterpart, except you’ll find none of the usual hordes of Instagrammers flocking into its winding streets.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering what else Korčula is famous for, Marco Polo is said to have been born here, and there are many signature wines produced on the island, including Grk and Pošip—keen on some wine tasting? A glass of indigenous red in a local tavern costs around $4.
Nicknamed ‘Golden Island’—only fitting, considering its glorious weather and sun-drenched shores—Šipan has historically offered Dubrovnik residents an escape from the humdrum of their daily routine, having served as a summer getaway for the city’s elites.
Now, it’s beckoning you to come and check it out for yourself, and we’re sure you’ll find that dolce vita (or should we say, uživanje) somewhere between Suđurađ, the main port, where ocher-colored houses encroach on a boat-filled marina, and a heavenly Priježba Beach.
Should you not want to rush it, and savor every $5 ćevapi, whilst taking in every blood-orange sunset by Šipanska Luka, a rare sandy strip you won’t easily find elsewhere in Croatia, overnights at the privately-managed Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela start from only $65 per night.
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As Florida hotels begin to fill up for March and April as Spring Breakers prepare to flock the Sunshine State’s Caribbean-like shores, Alabama makes for a great alternative with Gulf Shores leading the way.
With the popular beach town’s airport now beginning to offer commercial flights for the first time ever, it’s expected many travelers will take advantage to avoid Florida’s crowds, but this will surely create more crowds here as well.
The good news is Alabama’s coastline is among the most underrated in the nation with other idyllic hideaways such as Orange Beach and Fairhope hidden in plain sight.
Venturing a little deeper on the flip side of Mobile Bay lies a gleaming white-sand island, undoubtedly Alabama’s top hidden gem for your next beach vacation.
The barrier island of Dauphin Island, not to be confused with how my niece pronounces “dolphin”, lies a few miles south of Mobile Bay along the Gulf of…America?
This scenic spot consists mostly of locals who wave goodbye to the hordes of vacationers in Gulf Shores in favor of this secret slice of paradise lined with bright white sand beaches along crystal blue waters crashing ashore.
According to Southern Living, Dauphin Island is the ‘Sunset Capital’ of Alabama. Whether it be lounging along Dauphin Island Public Beach, mingling with locals at the Dauphin Marina, or booking a boat tour, one thing you can’t miss is witnessing this cozy town of 2,000 residents illuminate orange come sundown.
The island reaches peak levels of visitors during summer, so spring is an excellent time to visit with splendid temps between 68 – 81 °F from March to May.
Given how Dauphin Island is a beautiful well-kept secret, the results are wide open spaces from the “action” of town to the far-end West End Beach, where visitors will find bright white sugary sand.
Just south of the island is yet another remote retreat, Pelican Peninsula, holding a near-perfect 4.8 Google rating, where one recent visitor hinted, “A must visit early in the morning is the best”.
But the most popular of the island is the aforementioned Dauphin Island Public Beach and the easiest to reach.
The town’s often overlooked parks shouldn’t be missed either, whether it’s the staggering oak trees of Cadillac Square or tranquil kayaking explorations of Aloe Bay.
While you may find towering ritzy condos in Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island is more about down-home charm with plentiful cozy stays along the beach.
You’ll find numerous cottages and bed & breakfasts along the Gulf, such as Whale of a Tale, Inn at Dauphin Island, and Dauphin Island Harbor House.
The food scene is nothing to sleep on either with incredible seafood selections anchoring extensive menus — all authentic Mom n’ Pop style eateries like Pirate’s Bar & Grill; no eyesore chains in sight.
The South comes with the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to its deeply-rooted history.
Yes, some areas proudly boast Rebel Flags, while other delightful towns couldn’t be more welcoming, and that’s the category Dauphin Island belongs.
People couldn’t be more welcoming and seem to truly love their hidden beach town and proudly showcase some fascinating historical attractions ranging from archaeological sites to significant Civil War sites.
Fort Gaines is open to the public and offers sweeping views of the bay and Gulf. Guests can book an insightful tour of the well-preserved grounds of one of the most important sites of the Battle of Mobile Bay, where you can still see original cannons, tunnels, living quarters, and various remnants housed in the museum.
Another cool spot and unlike any other in the region is Indian Shell Mound Park. This archaeological site is home to prehistoric shell mounds, ancient trees, and some of the best hikes of Dauphin Island.
This indigenous site served Native communities centuries ago and still holds up today with leftover mounds of oyster shells to get a glimpse into the past of former ways of life.
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It’s a challenge in today’s world to find anything truly free, often inciting thoughts of “what’s the catch?” and rightfully so.
With taxes, sneaky fees, and “gotcha” tactics, travelers often have to hawk-eye anything deemed ‘free’.
But Thailand is ready to showcase a lesser-known beach destination. In turn, doing so for free. Best of all, there is no catch per se, rather select dates to hop aboard a scenic train ride to escape the city grind of Bangkok in favor of a lesser-known idyllic beach paradise.
As icons like Phuket and the surging island of Koh Samui have seen hordes of unsightly crowds flock to their shores, it’s time to give under-hyped Hua Hin a chance.
What better way than doing so at no cost?
Better yet, once you arrive, you’ll discover Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s cheapest beach destinations!
Hua Hin is located within Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province and is teeming with many of the same attractions that other major cities and beach hotspots behold.
The main difference is Hua Hin is largely off mainstream travelers’ radar, leaving a truly authentic destination waiting to be explored.
For example, it’s been reported Phuket is ‘wall to wall’ full of people as 2024’s most crowded destination, so who would want to have a bunch of fellow tourists cramping your space when you’re supposed to be enjoying one of the world’s most acclaimed paradises?
That’s where Hua Hin makes for a great alternative, and we all know 2025 is destined to be a year full of discovering lookalikes as many destinations deal with overtourism concerns.
In Hua Hin, you’re not sacrificing a lackluster experience. In fact, you’re only enhancing it. Here are 5 must-visit sites to check out:
In a world where dollar stores are now $1.25 stores, it’s safe to say supply and demand can be a real doozy on the wallet.
Finding hotels is no different, but Hua Hin offers great stays with nightly rates cheaper than your weekly coffee budget.
This spring, you can easily find resorts and beachside guesthouses for unbelievable prices.
How about Karoon Hut Guest House set beachside for just $21? Or leveling up at the chic Stardust Boutique Hotel for $29?
Still have some wiggle room? Okay, check out waterfront villas at The Yana Villas Hua Hin for just $88, or cash out your points at either Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa or Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa.
There’s truly something for everyone, from solo travelers with tight pockets to vacationers seeking to pamper themselves.
If you find yourself in Bangkok but have had enough of pollution, crowded streets, and the world’s strangest ping-pong games, then it sounds like you’re in the market for a free ride to the beach.
The free train (#43) leaves for Hua Hin from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 7:30am every Saturday and Sunday until March 30.
The full one-way journey takes approximately 3 hours, so you’ll arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the day beachside, market-hopping, or taking it easy at an aforementioned resort.
Along the ride, passengers are provided with free snacks, souvenirs, and even a towel as a keepsake.
Don’t worry; it’s not to cool down from the heat. The train is equipped with air conditioning.
According to Thaiger, these are the 3 steps to book your free train ride:
Keep in mind, booking is only open every Thursday from 7am to Friday at 3pm.
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