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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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London, it was a good run! Now it’s another timeless city’s turn in the spotlight, at least according to the New York Times.

Naming 2025’s ‘52 Best Places to Travel’, taking home gold is a U.K. city often left in the shadows of London.

But, travelers have been more receptive to exploring more of what the U.K. has to offer, from trending destinations such as Edinburgh, the rise of Belfast, and other lesser-known cities on the up and up with new train routes, which is your best bet to reach 2025’s top destination.

Exuding Roman-era charm, delightful tea shops, and picturesque villages on the outskirts, you’ll be magnetized toward an array of historic sites and, even more so, the wide selection of spas to melt your stress away, hence the name Bath.

Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than London’s sky-high prices.

Forget The Household Names: How Bath Sets Itself Apart

At first glance, Bath may not feel like a typical U.K. city. In fact, it’s relatively small in size, housing just 94,092 inhabitants according to the last census records.

Boasting grand Georgian architecture and Roman-style bathhouses, Bath is a far cry from London’s towering skyline and tourist-curated landmarks.

Bath is easy to explore on foot and well-connect by bus and train from London, but while here, a great way to see the sites is by electric scooters dispersed across the city to see the sites

There’s no place like Bath anywhere else in the U.K. Sure, there are other timeless gems like the Cotswolds, but everything fails in comparison to what Bath offers.

Bath is an eye-popping city perfect for kicking back and unwinding rather than pub-hopping across London.

While there are certainly traditional pubs here, the main draw of Bath is ample Roman spas originally consisting of thousands of archaeological discoveries, many of which are open to the public to enjoy all the benefits of naturally warm hot springs just as the Romans did.

Bath’s Must-Visit Spas

With a name like Bath, it would be hard-pressed to find any tourists who didn’t enjoy a soak at a bathhouse.

While I’m certainly no spa expert by any means, I can attest to how relaxing and beneficial visiting such concepts can be as I’ve visited Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon Istanbul’s traditional hammams, and I liked both so much that I even made a point to visit a new hot spring resort in my home state of California.

I haven’t had the privilege to visit Bath, but can totally relate to visitors’ enthusiasm like this review for Thermae Bath Spa:

“Only thermal baths in the whole of the UK. Great to be in the rooftop pool looking out over the countryside and UNESCO world heritage city!”

You can also book tickets to the Roman Baths Museum, a fascinating tour showcasing the old world.

According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 3 favorite spas to visit Bath:

• Thermae Bath Spa
• The Cross Bath
• The Bath Massage Company

Cheaper Stays: Historic Hotels And Cozy Inns

Saying Bath is cheaper than London is an understatement, as a majority of global destinations don’t sniff London’s bank-breaking prices.

Bath offers a variety of intriguing stays brimming with character rather than splurging on name-brand hotels.

Many of Bath’s top accommodations are centrally located, making for a great way to start your day with a cup of coffee or cap off your day with afternoon tea, a long-held British tradition.

Dating back to the 1400s Sally Lunn’s is a must-stop for great local fare, including tea and better yet, the chic Z Hotel is within walking distance and only $51 per night.

For those who do stick with the familiar brands back home to rack up points, Hotel Indigo is a great value too for a 4-star stay around $100 per night.

The best choice, however, has got to be 5-star Ayrlington, incredibly priced with a nightly rate of just $71 for a last-minute getaway or just $10 more in spring.

To discover the serene side of Bath, venturing away from the quaint city center, you’ll find a cozy inn overlooking the scenic River Avon – The Old Mill Hotel is also very affordable at just $56 through March.

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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If you thought New Orleans was the only Bayou beaut filled with European flair, you’d be mistaken!

The timeless streets of Louisiana’s oldest city are illuminated by its very own vibrant “French Quarter”, with its color-wheel facades, wrought-iron balconies, and old-timey inns for a glimpse into the past.

With less hustle and bustle and a calmer atmosphere void of thumping nightclubs and impromptu jazz performances, this quaint town of 17,000 has all the charm of New Orleans’ most popular district without the headaches.

Enjoy scrumptious Cajun cuisine, comfortable stays, and picturesque streets all packed into a tight squeeze without the Bourbon Street chaos or safety concerns, as New Orleans is ranked #6 in the latest report of the ‘Most Dangerous Places in the U.S’.

You can swap the city grind for small-town charm in Natchitoches, an affordable escape with a name that’s harder to spell than it is to pronounce (“nack-a-tish”).

The City ‘Where History Lives’

Natchitoches’ slogan is ‘Where History Lives,’ and it fits the bill.

Established in 1714 (beating New Orleans by four years), it is Louisiana’s oldest city.

The original ‘French Quarter’, founded by French explorer Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, is right here.

There may be no such thing as a time machine (yet), but visiting Natchcitoches is as close as it gets for Louisiana.

Visitors can peruse the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District for free, so make your camera roll has plenty of space to snap all the French and Spanish Creole architecture.

While it’s easy to compare this historic town to Europe, it’s truly a down-sized New Orleans a dupe in terms of what many tourists come to experience: stunning architecture, savory Creole cuisine, and yes, even Mardi Gras!

Except in Natchitoches, things don’t tend to get too out of hand; they are more of a cultural delight than an all-night rager.

More seasonably relevant, however, is the town’s nearly century-old Christmas Festival taking place now through January 6th.

To deep dive into Natchotoches fascinating timeline, the most informative experience may be the Northwest Louisiana History Museum, touching on Native American history to modern times.

Ultimately, you’ll want to venture away from the French flair to the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, a flawless replica of the 1716 French fort and drawing rave reviews, where one patron said, ‘All I can say is wow! Highly worth the stop. Only $4 per person and worth every penny.’

Step Back in Time: Enjoy A Nice Stay At A Historic Inn

Despite the temptation of posting selfies from a 5-star resort in a “pics or didn’t happen” world, there’s nothing wrong with stepping back in time to enjoy a nice stay in an old-timey inn.

Just because there’s no swim-up bar or plush robes and slippers doesn’t mean you won’t have an unforgettable trip.

In fact, in today’s information age, you can enjoy the irony of something old being something new. Dotted through town are a variety of historic inns and bed and breakfasts, all receiving positive accolades.

These 5 historic inns/bed and breakfasts are postcard-worthy and hold impressive Google ratings of 4.6 and up:

• Sweet Cane Inn
• Judge Porter House Bed & Breakfast
• Andrew Morris House Bed & Breakfast
• Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast
• Church Street Inn

You could also test your fate at the (allegedly) haunted Chateau Saint Denis Hotel, a conveniently located downtown boutique hotel.

But many bed and breakfasts are set in revamped century-old homes, providing a comfy stay and a unique, historical experience with or without spooky ghost stories.

Fun fact: The popular movie Steel Magnolias was filmed in Natchitoches. You can stay at the Steel Magnolia House, where many of the iconic scenes were filmed.

Phenomenal Cajun Cuisine (Including An Overlooked Local Favorite!)

We all know New Orleans is the mecca for Louisiana cuisine, but don’t sleep on the food scene here.

You can delight your tastebuds with many, if not all, the same famous dishes, but there’s one local favorite that doesn’t get enough hype.

Despite being closer to Texas’ mainland than the Gulf coast, seafood here is still phenomenal, but it’s meat pies that locals and visitors rave about.

Known for their flaky crust and savory filling, you can’t have enough of these handheld treats. Check out Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant for this local delicacy consisting of beef and pork.

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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At this point, everyone already knows about Medellin. It’s been taken over by digital nomads and is popular among solo travelers too.

With that comes a lot of chaos that you don’t necessarily have to deal with to check Colombia off your list.

Is Medellin old news? No, not necessarily.

But don’t sleep on Colombia’s hidden gems.

While you may want to avoid visiting Bogota for more than a layover, and Medellin has its own set of issues we reported on earlier this year, there’s so much more to explore in this fascinating country.

Whether it’s beaches, ancient sites, or the timeless streets of Popayan, Colombia’s undiscovered city, it’s time to swap the chaos of Medellin for a more authentic experience amongst some of the country’s most picturesque surroundings.

Colombia’s Little Known Slice Of Spain

I get it. Saying there’s a ‘slice of Spain’ in the middle of Colombia might seem a bit dramatic, but what else do blocks and blocks of captivating whitewashed buildings remind you of?

Santorini perhaps? Now that would be a stretch!

With no blue trim and endless gleaming white structures, Spain is the best comparison since there’s no other place like this in the nation.

Plus, centuries ago, for better or worse, Popayan was on the Spanish conquistador’s trading route through South America, and the preservation of their lasting marks is incredible to visit.

How such a beautiful city has flown under the radar for so long is baffling, but it’s probably because Colombia has so many other popular destinations.

Popayan also has no international airport (which only serves a few domestic flights), so getting here is more of a trek than getting to Medellin, Cartegena, or Cali.

Speaking of, Cali is the most convenient gateway into Popayan by bus unless you connect by flight through Bogota via Avianca or Clic.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by stunning colonial architecture, historic cobbled streets, and virtually no tourists – but don’t worry; it’s safe here!

Safe And Insanely Budget-Friendly

Colombia’s white city, as it’s known, ticks all the boxes many travelers seek when venturing to this side of the world.

First, unlike Medellin, where it’s almost guaranteed you’ll have some sort of unfortunate run-in the longer you stay, Popayan is widely regarded as safe.

The only issue you’ll want to be aware of is that you may stand out like a sore thumb, being one of few tourists in the entire city of nearly 320,000 residents.

Furthermore, you can stay for cheap in one of the numerous beaming white buildings, whether a boutique hotel, hostel, or rental.

For example, you can stay at Hotel Dann Monasterio, a former 1500s monastery turned ritzy hotel for only $41 on Priceline.

Airbnbs on the other hand offer similar rates and more space than a traditional hotel room, so you have plentiful options at hand.

Monthly stays are even better, so those Medellin digital nomads tired of keeping their head on a swivel could definitely opt for Popayan for super cheap – think nice apartments for $300 – $450 per month.

Where do I sign up?

Calling All Foodies! UNESCO’S First ‘City of Gastronomy’

Oftentimes, UNESCO designated specific sites or regions to protect cultural heritage and encourage education.

But did you know they also do the same for food?

While it’s completely different than receiving Michelin stars, it still shows how incredible a place can be to indulge in local cuisine.

While Colombian restaurants aren’t as popular as they should be in the States, Colombian cuisine goes well beyond savory empanadas.

Popayan was the first ‘City of Gastronomy‘ recognized by UNESCO, particularly for its rich fertile soil resulting in fresh ingredients, whether it be locals’ favorite beverage chicha or corn pancakes.

Culinary traditions are well-preserved here thanks in part to UNESCO and partly due to the community’s’ sense of pride showcased at numerous restaurants here, where traditional methods are still used, such as esamargados (fruits and zest marinade).

While UNESCO doesn’t give restaurant recommendations per se, TripAdvisor sure does. Check out these 3 top-rated restaurants:

1. Restaurante Carmina (perfect rating!)
2. Mora Castilla
3. La Cosecha Parrillada Centro

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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History is still being made in a pair of timeless U.K. cities. As you know, getting from A to B in Europe is a lot different than the States.

Rather than be shuffled through security like nameless cattle and scrolling TikTok for hours waiting for a flight to board, you gotta hand it to Europe for their impressive rail system end to end.

I just took a high-speed train from Paris to Marseille and it couldn’t have been more flawless, and while the latest exciting train announcement won’t zoom through the French countryside, it will connect 2 must-see destinations for your next U.K. adventures.

CrossCountry’s new direct service will benefit travelers looking to explore more of the U.K. beyond the bright lights of London with at least one familiar name and another up-and-coming capital city.

History in The Making: First Direct Route Connecting Cardiff & Edinburgh

CrossCountry is excited to announce their first-of-its-kind route connecting Cardiff and Edinburgh.

As the U.K. has spiked in popularity, travelers will soon have an easier way to reach Scotland’s Gothic icon of Edinburgh and Wales’ trendy capital with plentiful hidden gems in between.

Set to launch December 15th, just in time to make use of your holiday vacation days or start 2025 off right, you can seek new thrills in the U.K. from either Edinburgh or Cardiff as the train will travel both ways every weekday.

Expected to total roughly 6 hours in length, there are 20 stops in between along the 455-mile journey.

Choose to hop off to explore a treasure trove of lesser-known gems, such as Gloucester or Sheffield or enjoy the full journey on CrossCountry’s Voyager trains.

Keep in mind, the route does split at Birmingham and Gloucester, so keep an open ear for announcements to make sure you’re heading the right direction!

Otherwise, you may end up on the English seaside in Plymouth or Penzance wishing you packed swimwear.

Why Visit Cardiff?

Cardiff is an up-and-coming destination, backed by Conde Nast’s article crowning this lesser-known capital as the U.K.’s ‘Best City‘ in 2023.

As we turn the page to 2025, the hype has only grown stronger for Cardiff, and now travelers have a more convenient way to discover all the delights of this city.

Equal parts timeless and modern, there’s no shortage of places to immerse yourself in Cardiff’s past timeline or enjoy there here-and-now with trendy neighborhoods lined with buzzing bars.

Hit up the unmissable medieval Cardiff Castle for a grand tour (only $5!) or visit the revamped Cardiff Market oozing Victorian vibes, where local vendors sell local goodies like Welsch cakes.

While British food may get a bad wrap from time to time, cuisine here goes way beyond endless tea and bland crumpets.

Skipping anywhere in the U.K. without grabbing a pint is a hard pass. Here, one of your best bets is The Duke of Wellington, a real traditional pub dating back to the 1880’s and still whipping up savory pub grub and pouring the best cold ones.

And don’t skip out on classic Fish & Chips on Caroline Street (known as ‘Chip Alley’ for a reason!).

Why Visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a lot going for it, especially for Americans. As the only U.K. destination exceeding pr-Covid tourism numbers, there’s no reason to think the city will backtrack any time sooner.

With the soon-to-launch train and current nonstop flights from the U.S., Edinburgh makes for a great alternative to London’s chaos as a shrunken-down urban jungle with great attractions.

Perusing Old Town is an absolute must and will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into a storybook no matter the season.

Home to towering grandeur castles like the rightfully named Edinburgh Castle, among others in and around the city, Edinburgh certainly holds its own against any other European icon in terms of architecture and history.

The only problem you may have visiting here is questioning if you want to continue on to Cardiff!
There’s no doubt Edinburgh is an easier starting point since there’s direct flights here.

No matter where you depart, you can book your journey now on CrossCountry’s website.

But keep in mind the U.K. will begin requiring a permit for American travelers January 8, 2025.

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.