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If you’re in search of the ultimate place to unwind this spring or summer, there’s an East Coast island perfectly suited for you.

Light on the wallet with beautiful white-sand shores, this tranquil hideaway flies well under the radar with the exception of one unique event taking place each year that you may have seen published by National Geographic, or even Animal Planet.

But what hasn’t been revealed is just how truly wonderful it is to visit one of Virginia’s prettiest getaways and how remarkably affordable it is.

Splendid spring weather is right around the corner, so there’s no time like the present to begin booking scenic waterfront stays to kick back, relax, and enjoy a delightful vacation spot at least 3 hours removed from any major city.

While there are plenty of beaches packed to the gills with vacationers, Chincoteague, Virginia is the exception, and according to WorldAtlas, you can expect wide-open shores year-round, even in the heart of summer.

Small Town Charm & Cheap Stays

Chincoteague Island, which is also home to the most notable town on the island with the same name, is quintessential East Coast without the funny accents.

Think savory seafood, idyllic coastlines, and towering lighthouses guiding ships back home. So much so there’s actually a popular Lighthouse Trail, an easy 1/4 mile trail navigating through lush forests, ultimately bringing you to the unmissable Assateague Lighthouse.

Chincoteague (the town) is brimming with down-home charm and a slower pace of life with friendly residents happy to have you check out their shops and hole-in-the-wall eats, such as Southern Living-backed AJ’s On The Creek, serving up what locals call “salts”, which are Chincoteague oysters…or sea-boogers to those who aren’t fans of slimy bivalves.

But eating local isn’t the only way to save money vacationing here; the island’s low prices transfer over to the surprising array of accommodations too.

Opt for a cozy Mom & Pop stay along the waterfront at the rightfully named Waterside Inn for less than $70, or go for a slight upgrade next door at the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites for around $100, or choose Chincoteague’s most secluded stay with private cottages at Key West Cottages in the $200’s.

All these rates reflect spring. Like anywhere else, summer rates tend to see an uptick.

Chincoteague’s Best Beaches

Chincoteague Bay encompasses the island, boasting sparkling crystal-clear waters as a serene backdrop.

There are multiple beaches lined with soft white sand along the blue Atlantic waters, but not so much on the bayside.

Although, some of the top stays such as the handful mentioned above are facing the bay, which still offers scenic views and coastal delights when it comes to food, hotels, and excursions.

One of these is boat and kayak tours, crossing the tranquil waters of Chincoteague Bay. On the Atlantic side, however, is where you’ll find the best beaches.

You know, the gleaming white-sand kind you’ll find on gift shop postcards. That’s why you’ll want to enter Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge not only for fascinating wildlife encounters, but also the region’s prettiest coastlines.

Assateague is the most pristine beach Chincoteague has to offer (not to be confused with neigh-boring Assateague Island up the coast).

This gleaming, spacious beach is located within the refuge, and exactly why wildlife is the island’s claim to fame, especially as wild horses roam freely along its sandy shores and graze in the coastal marshes.

The Ultimate Place To Horse Around

Have you ever visited somewhere and felt like you didn’t get to see it all? Well, one thing is for certain in Chincoteague; you won’t miss the wild horses.

If you venture down to Assateague, you’re practically guaranteed to spot some along the coast.

But on the off chance you don’t, there’s one unique event held annually that has been featured by National Geographic, among other notable publications, showcasing Chincoteague’s famous Pony Swim.

Here, visitors will witness the “Saltwater Cowboys” gather wild Chincoteague ponies on Assateague Island and swim them across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island.

The next roundup is slated for July 26, a preamble to the official event set to be held July 30, 2025 —another reason hotel rates might spike come summer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Captivating Urban Sprawl

How does 80 degrees in January sound?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Ever been to Europe?

There’s something almost indescribable in regard to wandering timeless streets mesmerized by centuries-old architecture and simplistic lifestyles.

Then we come back home dying to be first in line for the latest cell phone, video games, and whatever that whole NFT craze was.

Well, unlike the U.S., which is generally depicted as just wide open spaces, bougie beaches, and sky-high modernized metropolises, there are still plenty of timeless cities to enjoy, especially during the holiday season.

Perhaps the best area for such places is the South from New Orleans, Charleston, and one of America’s most charming cities, Savannah, Georgia.

This winter, discover cheaper stays and festive streets perfect for a winter escape in a city known for ‘southern hospitality’, old-timey plazas, and a springboard to a blissful side of the Atlantic coastline.

Winter In Savannah: Enjoy Less Crowds & Cheaper Costs

There’s many reasons to visit Savannah, but this historic city was just crowned #1 on Southern Living’s new ’10 Winter Vacation Ideas’ list primarily due to crowd-free streets and the affordability factor this time of year.

There’s really not a bad time to visit Savannah unless you’d like to avoid the humidity. In that case, a summer trip may not be for you.

Wintertime brings more splendid weather, consistently in the 60s, great for venturing out to nearby islands, perusing cobbled streets, or hopping aboard a scenic river cruise like Savannah Riverboat Cruises (where they ‘guarantee the lowest prices’!).

Savannah is a popular getaway year-round, but winter is the best time to take advantage of the least of amount of crowds for easier navigation and better photo-ops.

Perhaps more importantly, you can typically score cheaper stays and even airfare on occasion, according to Southern Living.

If you prefer luxury over boutique stays, check out the following 3 hotels with great rates in December and January (including Christmas!):

• Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District – $99
• Aloft Savannah Downtown Historic District – $136
• The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa – $155

For comparison, the above hotels are all deep into the $200’s in summer, proving your bank account will thank you this winter.

Savannah’s architecture is to die for with well-preserved rows of a variety of styles from Georgian (of course!) and Greek Revival, among others.

There’s plenty of vacation rentals and converted hotels too, like the Olde Harbour Inn for true Savannah stay.

Savannah’s Festive Streets

There’s definitely a European vibe in Savannah and even more so come winter when the popular Savannah Christmas Market arrives (Nov. 21 – Dec. 31)

It’s not only the market that’s festive, however. The main parts of the city, such as always bustling River Street, are decked to the gills with holiday decor to set the mood for the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

The Historic District is already teeming with charming streets, historic homes, and the unmissable Gothic-style Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, which of course, is even more incredible to visit with the magical ambiance of Christmas.

One unique event that’s a must-see is the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (November 30th) showcasing a dazzling display of synchronized lights.

While the Christmas Market takes a page out of Europe’s playbook, the Boat Parade is true Savannah through and through along the Savannah River. and always draws a crowd.

A Multi-State Coastal Escape: Seaside Bliss Is In Close Reach

Even though Georgia borders Florida, it’s actually the Georgia-South Carolina line that’s one of the best beach spots.

While you won’t find Caribbean-esque sun this time of year, walks on the beach, kayaking, surfing, and simply finding a nice beachfront restaurant is always enjoyable.

One such place to check off all these boxes this winter is Georgia’s Tybee Island, roughly 25 minutes from Savannah.

Across the Savannah River, however, is the South Carolina state line with its own set of beautiful islands like the hidden gem of Daufuskie Island, popular vacation spot Hilton Head, and one of our Editor, Tyler’s favorite beach getaways, Fripp Island.

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.