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Well, folks, hold onto your sombreros and baseball caps because the latest travel numbers for North America are in, and they’re painting two very different pictures! The sunny destinations of Mexico are absolutely booming and breaking records for international visitors. Meanwhile, the United States has experienced a different trend, with a slight dip in its international visitor numbers. Let’s dive into this fascinating tourism twist!

¡Viva México! A Record-Breaking Fiesta of Arrivals!

You heard it right! Mexico is the place to be, and the numbers are shouting it from the rooftops. According to the Federal Tourism Secretary, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, a whopping 16.2 million international passengers flew into Mexico in just the first three months of 2025! That’s a 2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 and an even more impressive 28.5 percent jump from pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Secretary Rodríguez Zamora highlighted that this isn’t just a fluke; it “reflects Mexico’s strong economic and tourism momentum” and shows off the “strengthening of our country’s airport infrastructure.” It sounds like all the hard work is paying off, making it easier and more appealing for people worldwide to come and experience the magic of Mexico. From the stunning beaches of Cancun (we know you love ’em!) to the historic streets of our cities, the allure is undeniable. And when it comes to US-based airlines bringing folks to Mexico, American Airlines and United Airlines were leading the pack, flying in a cool 3 million 523 thousand passengers.

Meanwhile… A Different Story Unfolds for the USA

Now, let’s hop over to the United States. The first quarter of 2025 brought a different kind of news for international travel there. Instead of a surge, they saw a bit of a slowdown. Official data according to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) indicates an overall decrease in total international visitor arrivals for the first three months of the year compared to 2024.

While January 2025 started with a promising 5.4% increase year-over-year, February saw a slight dip of around 2.4%. But March? March showed a more significant decrease of roughly 11.6% in total foreign visitors compared to March 2024. This brought the overall Q1 2025 picture to a net decrease. So, what’s causing this cooling trend?

The Canadian Connection: A Big Piece of the Puzzle

One of the most significant factors seems to be a noticeable drop in visitors from their friendly northern neighbors – Canada! It appears fewer Canadians decided to head south to the US in early 2025. The numbers for March are particularly telling. According to a report by Oxford Economics, Canadian arrivals by land reportedly plunged by a staggering 31.9%, and air arrivals from Canada also fell by approximately 13.5% compared to March of the previous year.

Considering Canada is one of the largest, if not the largest, source of international visitors to the US, a drop this significant is bound to make an impact on the overall figures. It’s like having your most regular customer suddenly buy less – you’re definitely going to notice!

Other Factors at Play in the US Dip

It’s rarely just one thing, right? Besides the Canadian slowdown, other elements are likely contributing to the US dip. Some reports and analysts point towards:

• A Strong US Dollar: When the dollar is mighty, it makes travel to the US more expensive for international visitors. Their home currency just doesn’t stretch as far.
• Strict Immigration Procedures and Perceptions: Concerns over increasingly strict or perceived as unwelcoming immigration procedures and entry processes at U.S. borders can act as a deterrent for some international travelers. Anecdotes and media reports about difficult entry experiences can spread, making potential visitors hesitant.
• Shifting International Perceptions: Beyond just entry procedures, broader global views and feelings about a country can influence travel decisions.
• Evolving Global Travel Patterns: People’s travel tastes and preferred destinations can change over time, and competition in the global tourism market is fierce!
• Economic Conditions: The economic health in various source countries can also impact people’s ability and willingness to travel internationally.

Even the timing of Easter in 2025 (April 20th) compared to 2024 (March 31st) might have slightly skewed the March year-over-year comparisons, though the trend seemed to be setting in before that.

A Tale of Two Tourism Trajectories

The figures from early 2025 clearly illustrate diverging paths for these two North American tourism powerhouses. Mexico is celebrating a significant upswing, with its Tourism Secretary highlighting a record 16.2 million international passenger arrivals in the first quarter, a 2% rise from the previous year. This success points to a robust and appealing tourism sector.

In contrast, the United States saw a downturn in overall international visitor numbers during the same period. After an initial increase in January, numbers dipped in February and saw a more pronounced decline of roughly 11.6% in March compared to 2024. This shift, heavily influenced by a reduction in travelers from key markets like Canada, suggests a period of adjustment for the U.S. tourism industry. As the year unfolds, it will be interesting to monitor how these distinct trends continue to shape the North American travel landscape.

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As summer slowly approaches, you’ve likely already scoured the interwebs for travel deals to some of the world’s top destinations. So they say…

The past few years have seen travelers scoping out the lesser-known rather than following the crowds to places so publicized it feels like we’ve already been.

For example, can you believe I’ve never been to Cancun? It’s true. As an American, some people find that hard to fathom, even more so when they discover I’ve been to 16 other destinations in Mexico.

As for Europe, it took me 34 years to finally go to Paris, and I still haven’t been to Barcelona or Rome.

But enough about me. It’s become clear as day more travelers in general are scratching their travel itch beyond the norm, helping certain destinations to break tourism records in the process.

In fact, we at Travel Off Path are encouraging travelers to go, well, off-path this summer, instead of the household names we all think we’re supposed to visit.

If you need a little push to help you decide where to go, these 3 surprising European cities are breaking all-time visitor records:

Katowice, Poland

Let’s get the awkwardness out of the way. There’s nothing worse than reading a word over and over without knowing how to pronounce it.

Katowice is pronounced Kah-toh-VEE-tseh. Yeah…surprised me too.

Regardless, Katowice is a vibrant Polish city attracting a record number of travelers, on track for 7 million, which would beat out the previous record of 6.4 million.

Home to captivating museums, trendy neighborhoods, timeless plazas, purposeful green spaces, and thrilling festivals held throughout the year, Katowice is a well-balanced mix of old and new with something for everyone, but the biggest draw is how cheap it is.

You can easily find a 4-star hotel in the $60 range, if not cheaper. Check Mercure Katowice Centrum.

Located in the Silesia region, which also touches Czech Republic and Germany, you’ll find a distinct cuisine here beyond the typical meat platters you might envision indulging in when visiting Poland.

A couple of must-try eats are kluski śląskie (dumplings) and modra kapusta (braised cabbage), and there’s no better place than always-buzzing Mariacka Street.

Katowice isn’t just a foodie destination for adventurous palettes; it’s one of the best destinations to learn more about world history with easy gateways to fascinating sites and landmarks, such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (an hour away; free admission)

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a city we all know the name, but likely haven’t been. At least that’s the way it used to be…

Over 10 million travelers now step foot into Brussels’ wondrous cityscape with possibly even more for 2025.

Belgium’s capital is making a name for itself with award-winning restaurants taking over the food scene and has become one of Europe’s easiest cities to reach, even for Americans.

Even more enticing is a majority of residents speak english, making your travels easier to navigate.

Don’t be like me and just point and awkwardly mimic what you want. But hey, at least “waffle” seems to be a pretty universal word anyway.

Brussels offers U.S. travelers 6 direct flights from major American airports and there’s seemingly a new train to/from Brussels launching every month to a notable European city.

Once here, you’ll find an impressive array of world-class museums, grand palaces, and stunningly beautiful architecture, and perhaps best all, Brussels super easy to explore since public transit only costs about $2.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Not every traveler is up for a winter wonderland trip of a lifetime, but if you fit the bill, there’s no better place than Rovaniemi, Finland, the official ‘hometown’ of the man, the myth, the legend, and who very disappointedly turned out to be my parents — Santa Claus.

Rovaniemi has garnered newfound fame through the rise of viral social media videos with epic visuals of Northern Lights, real-life reindeer, and believe it or not, Santa’s Village, including a post office for Santa’s letters, and in the spirit of Christmas cheer, it’s always free to enter.

It’s truly a one-of-a-kind city, but it’s become such a draw that the airport is having to undergo an extensive makeover before next winter’s booming season.

Rovaniemi may be the most visited, but it’s beautiful in summer too, especially for those who don’t want to pack more layers than the Michelin man.

You will want to pack a sleep mask, though. Instead of Northern Lights and endless snow, experience the Midnight Sun this summer, where the sun refuses to set, creating never-ending bright days and golden “nights”.

Good news is Rovaniemi summers sees consistent days of 65 -72 degree weather, which is a practically scorching for the Arctic Circle.

Regardless of weather, a Finnish staple are saunas. No, not the ones bothers to wipe down at your local gym. When visiting Rovaniemi, make sure to hit up a lakeside sauna, a truly enjoyable experience to rejuvenate amongst some of the Arctic’s most astounding scenery.

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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One city in Italy has been dubbed the world’s new “Silicon Valley”.

Unlike San Francisco (actually Silicon Valley’s base), there’s no sign of sky-high rent rates and a spattering of crime waves pushing remote workers away – quite the opposite, actually.

While Rome, Venice, and the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast will always be travelers’ go-to spots to immerse themselves in Italy’s renowned cultural delights, ranging from bucket-list wonders, phenomenal eats, and postcard beaches, one city in Sicily, which is somehow overlooked, is now proclaimed as the country’s latest digital nomad hotspot.

That’s right; the vibrant capital of Sicily, home to pizzas and piazzas, has become a haven for remote workers who’ve embraced the opportunity to reside in this laid-back, blue-water paradise.

More Americans Setting Up Shop In Palermo

It’s estimated Palermo, a city of nearly 700,000 people overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea, has already drawn in 1,000 new “residents,” with many Americans leading the charge.

Sicily is a name we all know, but you’d be surprised that most travelers favor the mainland’s aforementioned icons.

Digital nomads are discovering what others have been missing out on. First and foremost, Palermo (and all of Sicily, really) is splendid to visit any time of year for the views alone, but right now, heading into spring, the weather is hovering comfortably in the 60s and topping out in the high 80s in summer.

As you can see, as digital nomads begin to wrap up their winter sun needs, there’s no need to pack up and go in a hurry, especially with a welcoming community beginning to bloom with new co-working spaces popping up such as PMO Coworking, highlighted by Nomad Capitalist among the best in Europe.

Of All the Italian Cities To Make Your Base, Why Palermo?

Some of Europe’s most renowned cities can be the most costly, and Italy is no different.

Coming full circle, Palermo is a great spot for digital nomads not only because it’s embracing a new identity as a startup hub but also because you can experience Italy’s captivating culture, unmatched cuisine, and astounding scenery without breaking the bank – typically numero uno on digital nomads’ list of concerns.

Long-term stays on Airbnb can be found under $900 for a private apartment, and most are within walking distance to the beach and Palermo’s timeless city center.

Better yet, oftentimes local agencies are even cheaper than major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Known for epic seafood and cheap pizza, digital nomads’ savings on rent will likely go toward dining out since the food scene is impossible to pass over.

During downtime between work tasks, there are plenty of things to do and see. Obviously, Sicily’s breathtaking beaches are the top attraction.

According to TripAdvisor, these are Palermo’s top 3 beaches to visit:

• Spiaggia di Mondello
• Lido Valdesi
• Lido Sferracavello

Inland from the coast, you’ll discover picturesque ornate piazzas home to inviting street markets, staggering cathedrals like the unmissable Palermo Cathedral, and numerous cafes to start your day or use as an office with a warm cappuccino in hand.

Overall, Palermo ranks 22nd globally as top digital nomad destination.

Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa

Sure, you could just stay in Palermo to escape the frigid cold of much of the world, but what’s the fun in that when you can stay all year?

Italy launched its official digital nomad visa last spring. Obviously, travelers had a lot of questions like “what took so long?!”.

For real though, like most visas, there’s an expansive list of requirements, which you can read all about here, but we’ll cover the basics.

Basic requirements:

• Prove earned income of roughly $30,000 to ensure you’re exempt from healthcare costs
• Purchase a comprehensive health insurance policy valid for your entire stay
• No first-timers; must have worked remotely for 6 months prior to Italy arrival
• No criminal record in the last 5 years

Digital nomad visas are valid for a full calendar year and have the possibility for an extension of up to 2 years.

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 2 days ago

If you’re scoping out Europe for an epic vacation next year, you can skip the global icons we’ve all dreamed of visiting in favor of lesser-known destinations.

Many travel experts have been highlighting cities off the traditional tourist path, which makes sense given how many travelers are seeking out alternatives to avoid crowds, contributing to overtourism concerns.

Forbes just revealed a real surprise for most, but not for me, since I was fortunate to visit in October and totally get the hype.

With nonstop flights from the U.S., brand new ritzy hotels, and thousands of islands to explore, at first glance, you might think this city sounds like the Caribbean, but it’s actually Scandinavia.

Sweden may not be commonly associated with island-hopping, being more notable for deeply-rooted viking culture and their ‘fika’ lifestyle.

While visiting this region during winter comes with blistering cold weather, planning ahead for spring and beyond is your best bet to enjoy all the thrills, delights, and luxury of Stockholm in 2025.

Travel In Style: Stockholm’s Selection Of New & Revamped Luxury Stays

Stockholm is teeming with ritzy stays throughout the city. In fact, it holds a reputation as being pretty pricey.

I scored a great deal at the conveniently located AC Hotel on the outskirts in Solna next to the train station, which made reaching the city center a breeze.

But, many travelers will want to stay in Stockholm proper, and rightfully so. According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 5 favorite hotels heading into the new year:

1. Hotel Rival
2. Bank Hotel
3. Hotel Skeppsholmen
4. Grand Hotel
5. Hotel Frantz

Additionally, Forbes just announced a pair of exciting new hotel openings to kick off 2025, as well as another remodel to a 120-year-old staple.

So, let’s start with the ladder. Situated in Vaxholm, a vibrant archipelago village near Stockholm, the Waxholms Hotell is undergoing an extensive makeover, transforming into a ‘food and lifestyle destination’ backed by renowned local restaurateurs Jesper Ahlbom and Stefan Strömberg.

Mark your calendars for February 15, 2025 for this historic hotel’s new chapter.

As for the new additions, travelers can look forward to Stockholm Stadshotell, a 32-room boutique hotel set to open in January 2025, and Hagastrand, a new haven for the ultimate relaxation anchored by a state-of-the-art spa, slated to open doors at an undisclosed date in Fall 2025.

Explore Thousands Of Islands, Including A Breathtaking Old Town

No matter what time of year you visit, Stockholm’s incredible islands are calling your name. Although, not all are accessible, there are sightseeing tours and ferries to reach those open to the public, along with the city’s easy-to-use metro to some as well, which sells tickets from single use to yearly passes with numerous increments in between to save you money.

My favorite was Gamla Stan made up of the island of Stadsholmen, otherwise known as Stockholm’s ‘Old Town’.

While the city center beholds a mix of old and new like many major European cities, Gamla Stan’s quaint alleyways and cobbled streets take you back in time.

Here, you’ll find an array of cafes, bars, and fascinating architecture, including the Royal Palace and Riddarholmen Church, among rows of multi-level buildings seemingly illuminating every other shade on the color wheel.

It’s a beautiful place. So much so we kept going back to sip mulled wine and partake in the ‘fika’ way of life after an obligatory IKEA stop and wandering other neighborhoods.

Gamla Stan is not alone in must-visit islands. TripAdvisor highlights Sodermalm as travelers’ favorite Stockholm island, lined with endless cafes and restaurants, plus cozy hotels and vibrant streets.

I visited Sodermalm, too, and loved starting my day with a cappuccino and pastry from Embargo Cafe & Bar and capping off the night with traditional Swedish meatballs and lingonberries at Meatballs for the People (book ahead!).

Forbes also mentioned the highly-anticipated Stockholm Archipelago Trail (SAT), a new attraction spanning 168 miles and linking 21 islands in 2025.

Which Airlines Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Stockholm In 2025?

Many travelers prep for at least one connection when jetting off to Europe, but there are 3 routes and 3 airlines with direct service to Stockholm.

Bad news being a majority of the U.S. will have to opt for a layover as only East Coast routes are nonstop.

Scandinavian Airlines’ 2 routes:

• Newark (EWR) – flights every Thursday and Sunday
• Miami (MIA) – flights every Wednesday and Saturday

United’s lone seasonal route:

Newark (EWR) – flights every day from June 18, 2025 through September 2025

Delta’s lone route:

New York City (JFK) – flights 4 days per week beginning April 15, 2025

Fun fact: Believe it or not, you can stay at an IKEA Hotel and visit an IKEA Museum, both located in Almhult, Sweden.

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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The work-from-home craze has taken over the workforce worldwide as more and more countries create digital nomad visas to accommodate one of the latest travel trends.

But, some places are quite surprising when it comes to such a vast array of destinations digital nomads have at their fingertips.

Whether it be Latin America’s hidden gems, far-flung hideaways in Europe, or dirt-cheap yet culturally rich hotspots in Asia, there’s no limit to digital nomads’ new base.

That being said, as popular as the Caribbean may be for American travelers, many places in the region don’t fit the mold of what digital nomads tend to look for.

Startups just revealed the next digital hotspot for 2025 and although it’s mega popular for Americans, it’s worth questioning if the island’s well-documented safety issues and affordability tick off the boxes for digital nomads.

Is Jamaica Too Boujee For Digital Nomads?

According to Startups, there’s a 250% increase in remote work in Jamaica. As someone who visited Jamaica in the last year or so, I can see how such an immensely welcoming culture and obviously drop-dead gorgeous island would be enticing to wake up to every day.

The truth is not every digital nomad is bankrolling.

When I visited Kingston, I hung out on the upscale side of the city known as New Kingston, where Bob Marley’s mansion is located.

There are new developments dispersed across this district with some really nice apartments available to rent, but the issue digital nomads face is pricing.

Many apartments, even in notoriously sketchy Kingston, resemble U.S. markets with rents in the $1000’s – a far cry from what many scope out when there are many destinations you’re total cost will be under $1000.

Then there’s obviously Montego Bay, laden with high-end resorts, followed by quaint, yet trendy Negril, and the up-and-coming hotspot of Port Antonio, the most authentic of the bunch.

According to Nomads, Kingston ranks #110 globally for digital nomads, with expected monthly costs pushing $3,000.

Jamaica’s Safety Concerns

Jamaica is no stranger to welcoming visitors with open arms. I found this island to be one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been.

Unfortunately, Jamaica is also no stranger to travel advisories, especially related to the capital, Kingston.

Wandering Downtown Kingston and passing run-down streets on my Uber from the airport, it’s easy to see why.

The latest advisory issued in July highlights high crime levels and lackluster health care, including slow response times to emergencies throughout the country.

Kingston also received low marks for safety on Nomads but surprisingly high scores for overall contentment with glowing positive experiences.

If I ventured to guess, most nomads would reside in New Kingston, where there are ample co-working spaces like The Hub and trendy cafes offering delicious Blue Mountain coffee sourced roughly an hour away.

However, Startup highlights Negril as Jamaica’s top beach spot for digital nomads with plentiful oceanfront cafes.

Kingston isn’t so much a beach town, although I did find a secret beach tourists largely don’t know about, but it wouldn’t be the best spot to work from since the seaside eateries are hole-in-the-wall shacks along unkept dirt roads.

As for Montego Bay, Jamaica’s most popular vacation destination, you can find affordable apartments on Airbnb on the outskirts of the city for under $800, but a quick Google search shows co-working spaces are lacking here.

Jamaica’s Entry Requirements

Jamaica doesn’t offer a ‘digital nomad visa’, but Americans can visit as a standard tourist for 90 days visa-free, the perfect amount of time to soak up winter sun.

As stated, there are monthly listings on Airbnb, so this is likely your best bet. Just familiarize yourself with Jamaica’s neighborhoods first.

There is a full list of Level 4 no-go zones listed on the U.S. State Department’s latest travel advisory, many of which are in and around Kingston.

When I booked an Airbnb here, I found the wifi to be reliable, but preferred working from New Kingston cafes, such as Cafe Blue.

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 3 months ago

With its high-end resorts and exclusive fine dining experiences, the Caribbean might not be your first choice for a budget getaway.  

But according to a new report from Squaremouth, one Caribbean island is the cheapest spot for American travelers to choose if you’re looking for a budget fall getaway this year.  

I’m talking about the Bahamas, and I’m just as surprised as you are!  

The same study found that traveling this fall will cost 30% more than it did last year, making this the most expensive fall travel season to date.  

Wondering whether the Squaremouth research is right on the money? Here’s a breakdown of costs to visit the Bahamas to work out just how affordable it can be:  

Flying To The Bahamas  

There are 4 international airports in the Bahamas:

• Nassau
• George Town
• Freeport
• Marsh Harbor

They all offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. this fall.  

The cheapest airport to fly into is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. 

This is also the busiest airport in the Bahamas and is considered the most important airport in the Caribbean, so I will focus on this one when listing example prices.  

Getting to Nassau is a breeze, with direct flights from a whopping 10 U.S. airports this fall.  

These are:

• Miami
• New York
• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Atlanta
• Houston
• Boston
• Charlotte
• West Palm Beach

Flying from Miami to Nassau from October 15 to October 22 nonstop in an economy class seat will cost $245 flying with Bahamas Air.

Alternatively if you would prefer a U.S airline then for $265 you could choose American Airlines on the same dates.  

This flight route has an incredibly appealing flight time of just 1 hour.  

Alternatively you could fly from New York to Nassau. Flying from October 13 to October 19 nonstop will cost $258.

This is with Delta, and has a 3 hour 10 minute flight time.  

Staying In The Bahamas  

There are plenty of options for travelers on all kinds of budgets to visit the Bahamas, but the focus here will be on budget stays.  

And with 700 different Bahaman islands to choose from, narrowing down where exactly you want to stay should be your first job before you pick a hotel.  

Grand Bahama is the most northerly of the main islands, and has a reputation for being the most budget friendly. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches but with a less eye-watering price tag!  

On the Tripadvisor rating of the best 10 budget-friendly hotels in the Bahamas, 3 of the top options cost less than $200 per night for stays in October.

These are the: 

• Saint Francis Resort And Marina. This offers incredible views of the ocean and the harbor, and guests are particularly complimentary about the friendly and welcoming staff.  The Saint Francis Resort And Marina is considered the ‘best little resort’ in a Bahamas.

• Pelican Bay Hotel. Friendly staff,and a great location close to an abundance of great hotels, this is a small hotel that offers everything a budget traveler could need.  

• Sandyport Beach Resort. This is a beachfront resort that’s right by the ocean and in a bustling area, so suited to travelers keen to explore. You’re in walking distance of shops and restaurants, but the resort has everything you need if you don’t want to leave the pool!  

Things To Do In The Bahamas

One of the very best things to do in the Bahamas doesn’t have to cost a penny. Relaxing on perfect white sand beaches!

If you pack your snorkel and mask, then many beaches have shallow areas that are ideal for snorkeling.  

Pearl Island, just northwest of Nassau, is considered the best snorkeling location in the Bahamas.  

Provided you stick to public beaches or the beach attached to your hotel or resort, spending the day on the beach or snorkeling from the shore doesn’t have to cost you a single cent!  

If you prefer diving then the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and The Abacosall feature a host of world-renowned dive sites.  

If you fancy yourself an international man (or woman) of mystery then the James Bond Wrecks is one of the most famous dive sites in the Bahamas. Located off the coast of New Providence, you can book trips with the Reef Oasis Dive Club.

Dive packages start from $61 per person.  

Finally, the most popular and famous excursion that takes place in the Bahamas is a visit to see the swimming pigs.

You can arrange this with Exuma Water Tours, though I admit it’s more of a splurge than  a budget day out.  

A half-day pig swimming tour on a 36-foot power boat with reef snorkeling and blow hole swimming, as well as the chance to swim with the pigs, will cost $190 per person.  

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 2 months ago

Not that long ago, you’d probably laugh at the prospect of gang-dominated El Salvador, where corruption is supposedly endemic and violent crime is rampant, ever featuring on a mainstream list of the world’s safest countries.

We probably would ourselves at one point, too, but as unlikely as it sounds, especially if you’ve grown used to the damning headlines coming out of the infamous Latin American state, the impossible happened:

According to Gallup’s latest Global Security Report, one of the most reputable sources for assessing safety and living standards, El Salvador is now the 8th safest country globally.

So what changed?

How Did El Salvador Even Get Here?

The Global Security Report is based primarily on locals’ perceptions of safety in their place of residence: Do they need to maintain a higher level of situational awareness when leaving the house?

Do they feel on edge walking alone at night?

Is falling victim to violence a pressing concern?

Only 8 years ago, 30% of El Salvadorians answered those in a positive manner, and that was hardly surprising, considering the country’s strategic location for the Central American drug trade, widespread gun violence, and its status as a human trafficking hub––or should we say former?

Love him or hate him, since he came into power, President Nayib Bukele has adopted a tougher stance on crime than his predecessors ever did, introducing a ‘State of Exception’ in March 2022 that allowed for the mass incarcerations of gang members.

Despite a temporary outcry over Human Rights abuses and arbitrary arrests, its effectiveness in drastically curbing crime cannot be so easily understated: from a homicide rate of 105 per 100,000 people in 2015, the country now boasts an updated rate of just 2.4 per 100,000.

In other words, the number of heinous acts has plunged.

As a result, over 88% of El Salvadorians now feel their country is safe, leading the country to chart at number 8 on the Global Security Report, surprisingly ahead of the ultra-safe European countries like Iceland and Switzerland.

Based on this report, it is also the safest country in the entire Western Hemisphere, ahead of Canada, but to which extent is the data reliable?

So How Safe Is El Salvador?

As we stated previously, the Gallup report is one of the most trusted sources for assessing safety levels worldwide, as it’s based on feedback from ordinary citizens, but there are still some nuances to be observed.

El Salvadorians may feel safer walking alone at night than their Swiss or Icelandic counterparts, yet at the same time, we must remember safety perceptions in Europe as a whole have decreased significantly in recent years.

In Switzerland, for instance, serious violent offenses have increased ‘by around one third’ over the previous decade, as noted by SwissInfo, though it remains very much under acceptable levels compared to the global average.

Picture living in a country where, up until a couple of years back, you wouldn’t leave home without anxiously looking back over your shoulder, sharing your live location with friends, or even carrying a cheaper, spare phone to surrender instead of your actual phone in case you get mugged.

Suddenly, your city feels a lot safer, a majority of gangs have been wiped off the streets, leaving behind your usual backstreet, petty criminals easily dealt with, and life isn’t exactly perfect, but at least it’s not as terrible as it once was.

Your safety perception is likely to shoot up considerably.

Now, imagine living in a mountain town in the Swiss Alps, where the passing of a certain 92-year-old Mrs Heffelfinger––or whatever the knitting cat lady living up the street is called––would typically be considered a traumatizing collective experience.

Suddenly, a truckload of irregular migrants from North Africa are dropped at the front of your local parish, the social cohesion is broken, and all sorts of problems start arising from their apparent ineptitude to integrate or fully participate in society.

That’s not a right-wing talking point, it’s a verifiable figure:

As Swiss police and public prosecutors confirm, there’s been a ‘significant’ increase in the number of crimes attributed to undocumented migrants.

Add to that the wider European border crisis, and you’ll start to understand why the Swiss feel less safe in their neck of the woods, even though Switzerland continues to be considered extremely safe by any existing standards.

El Salvador Is Low-Risk By Latin American Standards

So is El Salvador truly safe?

Well, we wouldn’t be the first ones to test how it goes walking unaccompanied in a deserted, poorly lit street with our newly acquired iPhones in hand, dripping in jewelry and shiny Nike shoes, especially in a suburban zone with a reputation, but sure, El Salvador has gotten safer.

Again, safe-rrr.

What we’re trying to say is, locals feel their place of residence is less dangerous than it once was, and they are likely to respond to a survey on safety positively following the drastic changes of recent years.

At the same time, we suspect a non-experienced Swiss or Icelandic person wouldn’t share their perception if they were suddenly dropped in the middle of San Salvador, the bustling Salvadorian capital, and left to fend for themselves.

In short, El Salvador is now a lower-risk destination by Latin American standards.

Does The U.S. State Department Agree El Salvador Is Safe?

Washington continues to list the up-and-coming Latin hub as a Level 3 country, meaning Americans should ‘reconsider’ visiting due to the higher crime levels in certain states and municipalities, and the ongoing State of Exception.

At the same time, they note there has been a reduction in gang-related activity.

Judging by the excellent outcomes on the security front, it might not be long until El Salvador is upgraded to a near-perfect Level 2, or even a perfect Level 1:

Last august, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz, Chair of the Congressional El Salvador Caucus, addressed a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinker requesting El Salvador’s safety warning is downgraded to Level 1.

Gaetz argues that the incarceration of over 75,000 violent gangsters, and the steady homicide decline from 2015 to 2024 are sufficient to prove Americans should not be discouraged from visiting El Salvador, now a thriving destination, famous for its volcanic nature, Mayan ruins and unspoiled beaches.

In his letter, the Congressman adds the homicide rate in El Salvador is now ‘less than that of nearly every major city in the United States’.

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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With gentrification having ruined a number of tried-and-true workcation spots worldwide, from a no-longer-peaceful Tulum, all the way over to Tbilisi, in Georgia, where rental prices have shot through the roof since it got ‘discoverd’, I get it if you feel as if you’re running out of options.

Us digital nomads are always looking for the cheaper alternatives, preferably those yet to be ruined by mass tourism––or should we say, mass nomadism in this case––and based on a new report published by Search Logistics, we might just have found them.

The digital marketing agency has listed 3 surprising cities as the best destinations for digital nomads in 2025, and having lived experience in all of them myself, I’m inclined to agree:

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The third-best ranked is Rio de Janeiro (or just Rio), in Brazil: this vibrant coastal metropolis backed by verdant mountains and straddling an azure ocean scores 62.35 out of 100, and it’s the closest Brazil gets to a digital nomad paradise.

I mean, between the postcard-ready beaches––think a world-famous Ipanema or a glityz Copacabana––and the eclectic cultural scene, with colonial buildings and samba bars galore, it’s easy to see how Rio would be stealing the hearts of my fellow long-term travelers.

I particularly love it for its laid-back atmosphere (Praia do Leme and some fresh coconut is all the relaxation you need after a long office day), and plethora of laptop-friendly brunch spots, though my absolute favorite is American-run Gringo Cafe in Ipanema.

As beautiful as Rio may be, however, I’d encourage you to proceed with caution: definitely do not flash valuables in public (this includes your phone), beware of pickpockets, and if you’re going to a favela event or gathering––foreigners love those, for some reason––do not go unaccompanied.

Average cost of living in Rio de Janeiro according to Numbeo

• Price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $5.77
• A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: $34.44
• Monthly cost of transportation: $49.08
• One-bedroom apartment in downtown Rio: $419.58
• Estimated monthly expenses: $996

Bucharest, Romania

Taking up the runner-up slot is Bucharest, with a score of 65.62, the fascinating capital of Romania, and an Eastern European gem I called home for just over a month many winters ago, and I am glad it is finally getting the praise it deserves:

Bucharest has incredibly-diverse architecture, with elements of Belle époque and Soviet-style Brutalism, and it’s a hugely-underrated cultural hub playing host to world-class art galleries––if you’re a museum geek like me, I would strongly suggest you pay the National Museum of Art a visit.

I won’t lie to you, the endless clusters of communist-era apartment blocks away from the Paris-coded city center may feel oppressive at times, especially if you’ve grown up as a Western kid, but the good thing about Bucharest is, there’s always a tranquil park to escape to.

Herastrau in spring puts New York’s Central Park to shame, and a peaceful Parcul Tineretului in Sector IV is great for beating the downtown crowds, and the nearby Erbario Coffee is a cozy eatery serving brunch and specialty coffee at local prices.

Average cost of living in Bucharest according to Numbeo

• Price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $11.66
• A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: $52.98
• Monthly cost of transportation: $16.95
• One-bedroom apartment in downtown Bucharest: $596.14
• Estimated monthly expenses: $1,304

Bangkok, Thailand

Taking the lead on a score of 69.98 out of 100, the temple-dotted urban sprawl that is Bangkok, Thailand is officially the best destination for digital nomads next year according to Search Logistics, and in all fairness, I second that:

Not only is this supported by Nomads, which lists Bangkok as the most popular city in the community right now, Bangkok is essentially a Mecca for remote workers thanks to its extensive list of coworking spaces, unmatched social scene, and dirt cheap prices.

You can get dinner for $3, pamper yourself with a foot massage for around $8, and spend as little as $154 in a week––well, you could probably get the same, if not cheaper, in places like Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, or Hanoi, in Vietnam, but you get my point.

Last but not least, Bangkok is just unabashed, riotous fun from Monday to Monday, with gay-friendly Silom Soi 4 catering to a libertarian crowd, and a busy Sukhumvit Soi 11 offering a big selection of cocktail bars and laid-back rooftop venues.

Average cost of living in Bangkok according to Numbeo

• Price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $2.85
• A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: $28.52
• Monthly cost of transportation: $37.07
• One-bedroom apartment in downtown Bucharest: $555.16
• Estimated monthly expenses: $1,197

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.