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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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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?

The Maldives Alternative You’ve Never Even Heard About

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:

An Island-Hopping Paradise

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.

Cape Verde Is More Diverse Than The Maldives

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.

Volcanic Landscapes & Colonial Architecture

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.

Is Cape Verde Cheaper & Easier To Get To Than The Maldives?

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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Last Updated 2 days ago

It’s not every day we get to report on a country going from being violence-torn and one of the most dangerous in the world to one of the fastest-growing, recognized for its enviable advances on the security front and decreased criminality…

Yet here we are.

It feels untrue even as we type this out, but El Salvador, historically known as a drug and murder capital and a no-go zone for most Americans, is now officially one of the safest countries for tourists to explore, not only in its tiny Central American nook but the entire Global South.

So how did El Salvador achieve this remarkable feat, and most importantly, how has the situation on the ground changed over the years?

El Salvador Is The 2nd Fastest-Growing Destination Globally

On January 27, El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele sent shockwaves through X (formerly Twitter) when he publicly celebrated a major milestone for his country:

El Salvador is now the second top performing country worldwide on the tourism front, with a year-on-year increase in visitor numbers of 81%, ahead of fellow hidden gem Albania, which posted an 80% growth, and just behind Gulf nation Qatar, with 137%.

The figures are UN-issued, and Bukele’s exact words were ‘from the murder capital of the world to the second highest-performing tourist destination in the world‘:

From the murder capital of the world to the second highest-performing tourist destination in the world 🌎

De la capital mundial de los homicidios al segundo destino turístico con mejor rendimiento en el mundo 🌍 https://t.co/oCyfHzaZL0

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) January 27, 2025

In his X post, Bukele refers to a badge, or dare we say, a stain, El Salvador ashamedly wore for many decades, as it has been historically considered one of the worst countries for crime in the whole of the Western Hemisphere.

In 2015, the most dramatic year for crime, it had a homicide rate of 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, and this has been gradually decreasing since, reaching a significant turning point in 2019, when Bukele himself became President.

During the first year of his term, the country’s homicide rate stood at 36 per 100,000.

Fast forward to 2024, and it’s a shockingly low 1.9.

On X again, Bukele vowed that this year, the murder rate would be below 1 even, so how did he achieve it, and how does visiting El Salvador feel like in 2025?

How Did El Salvador Get Here?

From his inauguration onward, the right-leaning El Salvadorian set out on a full-fledged war on crime:

Be it the aggressive crackdown on gangs, which used to run the streets in El Salvador, or the much-controversial declaration of a State of Emergency that granted the Government broader powers to speed up criminal procedures and prosecutions.

If you’re wondering where exactly the controversy lies, given the Bukele administration’s excellent outcomes, some of his fiercest critics have pointed to human rights violations, such as mass incarcerations, overcrowding in prisons, and supposed abuse of power.

According to the opposition, Bukele’s tough stance on crime inevitably undermines constitution-guaranteed individual freedoms by oftentimes suspending due process and, in many cases, does not address the root of the gang violence problem, namely poverty or lack of opportunity.

They can run as many opinion articles as they want, but the effectiveness of Bukele’s zero-tolerance approach is undeniable, at least as it pertains to homicides: El Salvador has never been safer since records began, and that’s just cold, hard, unbiased fact.

You don’t have to believe us: believe U.S. authorities.

For the first time in years, the White House has downgraded El Salvador from a blacklisted Level 4 to Level 2, in recognition of the progress local authorities have made in reducing insecurity.

In non-technical terms, prior to Bukele’s widespread purge, Americans were advised to avoid visiting El Salvador at all costs––now, they are simply told to exercise ‘increased caution,’ essentially the same advice applying to a bunch of European nations traditionally considered safe.

Think England, France, Spain, Italy and the like.

What Does Visiting El Salvador Feel Like In 2025?

El Salvador is a very different country than what it used to be 10 years ago, or even 5 or 3.

If you’ve visited during the height of the gang violence, you might remember certain precautions you were required to take, be it booking chaperones or tour guides to be accompanied at all times when doing outings, avoiding certain areas altogether, and never, ever commuting during the night.

As the crime rate has plummeted to new record lows, all that tiptoeing around safety and a state of hyper-awareness has been replaced with the usual common sense.

You still can’t rule out pickpocketing, and although largely uncommon now, you should keep a watchful eye on your belongings in crowded areas and beaches, especially if there are no police patrolling nearby.

Similarly, you shouldn’t leave your hotel with flashy valuables, and this includes expensive watches and jewelry, to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

The U.S. State Department continues to advise tourists to use only major highways and roads and minimize travel beyond the limits of metropolitan zones after dark, as well as strongly discourage hitchhiking and resisting robbery in the (now less likely) event it happens.

In sum, is El Salvador one of the safest countries in the world?

It certainly is no Switzerland: crime can occur, albeit on drastically-lower levels than before.

That being said, your chances of falling victim to the rampage violence that was oh-so-ordinary to observe on the daily have been reduced to a minimum.

All in all, El Salvador is a beautiful country comprising vast rainforest-clad landscapes, imposing volcanos, and endless miles of golden sand beaches hugged by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, and it’s never been this friendly and inviting to foreigners.

Political disagreements aside, El Salvadorians and tourists alike have an unwaveringly patriotic, ambitious Bukele to thank for.

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Last Updated 3 days ago

While you’re likely to be well-familiarized with the likes of Barcelona, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria, we’re pretty sure you haven’t heard of Asturias, or if you did, you promptly brushed it aside as it’s not, you know, your usual beach hotspot.

Gross mistake.

As it turns out, Asturias is currently one of the fastest-rising Spanish destinations in popularity, recording a 17% uptick in visitors this winter alone even though it’s the low season and being expected to host a record number of guests throughout 2025.

Now that we’ve piqued your curiosity, what is Asturias all about, and why is everyone suddenly this interested in an offbeat, largely rural region in the much-underrated North of Spain?

Discovering Spain’s Hidden Gem

Officially called the Principality of Asturias, this is a historically significant region in northwest Spain characterized by its dramatic coastline, interspersed with sandy beaches and tall sea cliffs, mountainous hinterland, and medieval heritage.

Asturias was one of a handful of regions in the Iberian Peninsula––which includes Spain and Portugal––not to have fallen under Muslim control during the Arab takeover of Spain, which lasted for over 7 centuries.

As a result, it’s retained a distinct culture from that of the rest of the country: for instance, it’s still a principality, as the name indicates, with Felipe VI currently bearing the title of Prince of Asturias, and for many centuries, it was considered Spain’s last true Christian stronghold.

Until, of course, the country was reclaimed by the Christians, and this leads us to our first stop on this journey around Asturias:

What Has Asturias Got To Offer?

Visit The Regional Capital

The regional capital is Oviedo, a mid-size city dating back to the Middle Ages, home to the monumental Oviedo Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in Northern Spain, picturesque plazas bordered by restaurants, and many museums.

The 9th century Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its intact state for a Romanesque structure that is ancient, while Plaza del Fontán has its own traditional market.

If you’re an art geek, the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, located in Oviedo, has a vast collection of European pieces ranging from the Spanish Middle Ages to 20th century Flemish, and for the best fabada in town, make sure you book a table at Taberna Salcedo.

Asturian cuisine is one of the tastiest and most diverse in Spain, and from its white-bean-based dishes to pork shoulder (locally known as llacón), to the usual Northerly chorizo and the hearty Asturian stew, Oviedo’s food scene will not disappoint you.

Swim In Asturias Beaches

As beautiful as Oviedo may be, you’ll want to head to the Asturian seaside to truly take in the region’s most authentic culture: unfolding along an azure Atlantic for roughly 250 miles, it is lined with vibrant port cities, quaint fishing towns, and picture-perfect beaches.

Let’s start with the main coastal city in Asturias, as well as its largest one, at that (yep, larger even than Oviedo).

From spring, when it’s warm enough, Gijón is the perfect mix of beaches and culture, with its centrally-located Playa de San Lorenzo being hugged by the crystal-clear seas of the Bay of Biscay, and the colorful harbor houses that have barely seen the passing of time.

Over in Llanes, a laid-back seaside resort, you’ll find an unspoiled Playa de Guadamía, nestled between cliffs, and if you’re driving out to Playa de Griega, near the small settlement of Colunga, you’ll get the chance to see fossilized tracks left by dinosaurs.

Then there’s Gulpiyuri a unique inland swimming site near a flooded sinkhole, said to be the smallest beach in the world and a well-frequented Playa de Torimbia, straddling the ocean for what seems like endless miles.

While we’re still on the coast, it’s time to tour Asturias’ prettiest seaside settlements:

Check Out These Postcard-Ready Villages

Some of the prettiest small towns in Asturias include Cudillero, a quaint village on the Bay of Biscay and a perfect photo op for tourists thanks to its colorful houses, narrow streets, and a marina filled with fishing boats.

Luarca is just as pretty, with a well-preserved center dating back centuries and its fair share of unruffled sandy beaches (not to mention a landmark lighthouse), but if attending the world’s oldest canoe festival happens to be on your bucket list, it’s Ribadesella where you should be headed:

It hosts the annual Descent of the Villaviciosa River, taking place in early August this year, not to mention it has a charming historic center packed with family-run eateries (it’s a bit out of town, but don’t sleep on Meson Sidreria‘s pochopo).

Now that you’ve had your fair share of Instagrammable corners and colorful harbors, ready to put your hiking boots on?

Climb To The Very Top Of Asturias

For the hiking enthusiast amongst us, you’ll be thrilled to learn Asturias is one of Europe’s top hiking hotspots, largely due to its Picos de Europa, which cuts through its undeveloped terrain and provides sanctuary for a variety of wildlife.

Brown bears, wolves, eagles, you name it.

It’s also littered with skiing stations for winter, but we’d argue it’s far more beautiful to visit from spring onward when the peaks are clad in lush green, the birds are out, and all footpaths and trails are again accessible.

When the time comes, you’ll be able to join thousands of pilgrims on their way up the peaks to the Sanctuary of Covadonga: Asturias was, for many centuries, Spain’s last Christian outpost, remember?

We should probably mention this sanctuary, perched atop a prominent hill, surrounded by the snow-dusted elevations of Picos de Europa, provided the background for the first battle of the Reconquista, the period relating to the Christian reconquest of Spain.

Other than holding sentimental and religious value for Christian Spaniards, it is famous for its tiny chapel built into a cave with a lake underneath.

For more breathtaking natural scenery, head next to the Somiedo National Park, where many more hiking opportunities and deep-turquoise, high-elevation lakes await, and Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, the second largest mountain range in Asturias.

Asturias Is Cheaper Than Other Parts Of Spain

Finally, just how Expensive Is Asturias?

As it is yet to be engulfed by tourism in the way Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, or the Canaries have, Asturias continues to offer visitors a justly-priced alternative to Spain’s beach hotspots.

Believe it or not, booking a standard double room in an Ibis in central Oviedo will set you back by $37-a-night, while the average price of a meal in an inexpensive local restaurant––frequented by Asturians themselves––is $15.47, according to Numbeo.

If you’re keen on hiking the Picos de Europa, Cangas de Onís is the base you’re looking for: a small town nestled in a valley, where some of the most popular trails start from, it has a 5-arched, ancient Roman bridge over a crystalline river, and it’s a safe haven itself for the park’s golden eagles.

The Puente Romano guesthouse, only a few steps from the Roman bridge, costs $41 per night.

Staying by the seaside instead? A private room at the seafront Hostel Gijón Centro, within walking distance of San Lorenzo Beach and the lively port, averages $41 again.

Are Rising Temperatures Aiding Asturian Tourism?

As El Comercio notes, the popularity of the Principality can be attributed not only to its overlooked cultural value and breathtaking nature but also to the rising temperatures seen across Spain.

You see, Asturias is Spain, indeed, but with a different flavor of it: it’s in the North, it’s very mountainous, and most importantly, it isn’t on the receiving end of the scorching heatwaves emanating from North Africa, like Malaga or Barcelona are.

The fact it is not a Mediterranean destination has, in fact, played in its favor, as its coast has a temperate climate in summer, rarely reaching unpleasant highs of over 86.0°F, and the mountains are always cooler, irrespective of the season.

If you can’t bear the Southern European heat, you should know weather-wise, Asturias more closely resembles Northwestern Spain or even Southern England (in the warmer months).

How To Visit Asturias From The U.S.

Americans Can Fly Nonstop To The North Of Spain Starting This Year!

Beginning this year, Americans can fly nonstop to Bilbao, the largest city in the neighboring Basque Country, for the first time ever.

The Basque Country is just as fascinating and underrated a part of Spain to discover, yet if you’re intent on reaching Asturias on your next getaway, which we wouldn’t blame you for after seeing all it has to offer, you can land in Basque, and then make your way west to Asturias.

The driving distance from Bilbao to Oviedo is roughly 3 hours, and you’ll be passing by some of the most spectacular scenery both in Basque Country and in Asturias in between.

Alternatively, you have more flight options landing in Madrid, where high-speed trains to Asturias (namely Oviedo or Gijon) are available from as cheap as $17 one-way.

If landing elsewhere in Spain or Europe, you can fly to Asturias Airport, located 9 miles from Avilés, 24 miles from Gijon, and 29 miles from Oviedo.

Flights are offered from many European hubs that host transatlantic flights, and Americans can get to them nonstop, such as Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Lisbon in Portugal, London (Gatwick) in England, and Paris (Orly) in France.

Low-cost airlines such as Volotea and Vueling service some of these routes, with tickets starting from a shockingly-cheap $17.

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