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We’ve all heard the saying, “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” In 2025, navigating the chaos of airports can make that destination feel miles away, both physically and spiritually.

Good news for fellow wanderers: the golden age of train travel isn’t just back, it’s soaring to new heights. With flight prices doing their best impersonation of a rocket launch, more travelers are rediscovering the sheer magic of the rails.

Forget cramped seats and endless lines. Picture panoramic views, gourmet dining, and service that makes you feel like royalty. This year, we tapped into the collective wisdom of millions of globetrotters. We pored over countless reviews and surveys from the world’s most discerning passengers to bring you the crème de la crème of locomotive adventures.

Travel Off Path’s selection of the top three train journeys for 2025 was determined through a comprehensive analysis of extensive traveler reviews and satisfaction surveys, focusing on exceptional service, unique experiences, and overall value as reported by discerning passengers worldwide.

Ready to pack your bags and begin the journey?

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The Rocky Mountaineer – U.S. and Canada

Imagine snaking through the majestic Canadian Rockies or vibrant American Southwest. This isn’t just seeing the scenery; it’s immersing yourself in it. That’s the magic of the Rocky Mountaineer, a moving luxury hotel designed for optimal scenery-soaking.

With its signature glass-domed coaches, you’ll be gawking at imposing peaks, turquoise lakes, and dramatic canyons from every angle. What truly sets it apart, according to delighted travelers, is the impeccable service. Staff members know every peak, every story, and exactly when you need another cup of coffee.

And the food? Forget microwaved meals. Travelers rave about the gourmet, regionally-inspired cuisine served right at your seat. You travel by day, then disembark for a comfy hotel stay each night, with your luggage magically appearing in your room. No schlepping required – just pure, unadulterated adventure.

Popular routes like “Passage to the West” (Banff to Vancouver) or “Rockies To The Red Rocks” (Moab to Denver) offer luxury starting around $1,500, making for an unforgettable escape.

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The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train – Europe

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Hercule Poirot novel (minus the murder, hopefully!), the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is your ticket. This isn’t just a train journey; it’s a time machine. It whisks you back to the glamorous Golden Age of travel.

Picture exquisitely restored 1920s carriages, gleaming with polished wood and Art Deco flourishes. Every detail screams timeless elegance. Travelers consistently crown this as the ultimate in luxury rail. They cite unparalleled white-glove service and exquisite gourmet dining, often with celebrity chef collaborations.

The sheer theatricality of the experience is legendary. Champagne flows freely, live piano music drifts from the bar car, and evening attire makes you feel like a movie star. Whether gliding through the Swiss Alps en route to Venice or embarking on a multi-day epic to Istanbul, every moment aboard is designed to be an unforgettable event.

Yes, tickets for a journey like London to Venice can start from around $5,000. But as travelers often attest, you’re investing in a legendary experience that will be talked about for years.

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The Ghan – Australia

Ready for an adventure that truly takes you to the heart of a continent? Australia’s legendary Ghan train delivers. Named after the Afghan cameleers who once navigated Australia’s vast interior, this epic journey cuts through diverse landscapes.

It travels from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the tropical north (or vice-versa). Travelers are captivated by the ever-changing scenery. Expect everything from South Australia’s verdant valleys to the dramatic, fiery red deserts of the Outback, and finally, the lush Top End.

But it’s not just about the views; The Ghan offers an all-inclusive luxury experience. Expect gourmet meals featuring local produce, fine wines, and unique off-train excursions. Imagine exploring Katherine Gorge or experiencing Alice Springs, all seamlessly integrated into your rail adventure.

Passengers consistently praise the spacious cabins, the camaraderie in the lounge cars, and the sense of awe inspired by the vastness of the Australian landscape passing by. Prices for this multi-day, cross-continental odyssey start from around $1,800 USD, offering an unparalleled way to connect with the spirit of Australia.

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So, there you have it: our top three train journeys for 2025, as chosen by the very travelers who’ve experienced their magic.

From North America’s majestic peaks to Europe’s historic glamour and Australia’s rugged heart, these aren’t just modes of transport. They are destinations in themselves.

Each offers unforgettable adventures and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best part of any trip is indeed the journey. All aboard for an epic 2025!

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Whitewashed villages clinging to steep cliffsides, stone-paved pathways that lead to blue dome churches, and of course, beach clubs galore:

There’s many a reason why you’d want to join the masses in Santorini this summer, and hey, we get it: overtourism aside, it truly is beautiful, so if this is something you’ve got your heart set on, by all means, go for it.

That being said, we’re here to address those of you who dream of an idyllic vacation instead, and who aren’t exactly keen on spending thousands of dollars a night on a cave suite in Oia.

Maybe you think less is more, and you don’t exactly mind opting instead for the lesser-known alternative.

In that case, you’ll want to consider these:

Zakynthos

According to a new report by HomeToGo, there are 4 Greek islands that are on the radar of Americans this year, and surprise, surprise, Santorini is nowhere to be found on the list.

On the other hand, the much-more offbeat Zakynthos is featured, with a 175% year-on-year increase in searches by U.S. tourists, and you may be wondering why, particularly if the name doesn’t exactly ring a bell.

Well, in case you didn’t know, Zakynthos is home to the most iconic beach in all of Greece, Navagio, where a 1980 shipwreck, flanked by towering cliffs, rusts away in the pearly-white sand, only a few meters from the most turquoise seas you’ve ever seen.

The beach itself can only be accessed by boat, usually from Zakynthos Town, but usually, tourists prefer admiring from above, at the Navagio Viewpoint.

Zakynthos is primarily somewhere you go for unwinding and beating Greece’s usual surging crowds, and if you’re mostly drawn to pristine nature, you’re spoiled for choice here:

There’s the Blue Caves, a snorkeling hotspot known for its glistening waters; Gerakas, much sought-after by visitors for sea turtle nesting; and a lively Banana Beach, a strip of golden sand dotted with sunbeds and backed by a wide range of amenities.

Zakynthos is also one of the most affordable Greek island getaways, with overnight stays in Zakynthos Town, the main settlement, starting from $82 for 2 adults, or $41 per person (check out Lofos Strani) and meals in local taverns averaging $10–$16.

Lefkada

Famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, which tower over unspoiled white sands and teal-colored seas, laid-back beach towns, and vibrant capital, Lefkada is a gem that probably won’t stay hidden for long:

It’s already up 189% in searches.

Though plenty about Lefkada will keep beach bums and culture enthusiasts entertained for days on end, a widespread consensus is that no trip here is complete without a stop in Porto Katsiki, possibly Greece’s second-most photographed beach after Navagio.

If you’re thinking of spending the day here, however, we’d advise you to come early, as there isn’t a lot of room in the cliff-squished sand strip, and you’ll want to make sure you’ve secured a place on the western side of the beach, as the cliffs cast shadows on the eastern end.

There are countless more secluded paradisaical sites in Lefkada, from Egremni Beach, dubbed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ for its fine, white sands and turquoise seas, or Kathisma, great for sunset dinners and some early-evening clubbing.

2 of the best bases for exploring Lefkada are Lefkada City, the buzzing capital, where some of the best restaurants are concentrated—whatever you do, don’t leave without trying Antivaro‘s smoked mackerel—or Nydri, a peaceful resort town on the East Coast.

Only a few steps from the Nydri waterfront, you can get a Deluxe Studio for $105 as a couple ($52.50 per person), whereas the centrally-located Ionion Star Hotel, in Lefkada Town, will set you back by $84-a-night ($42 when splitting).

Naxos

With a 327% uptick in searches this year, Naxos is the Santorini look-alike you probably weren’t even aware existed:

The largest landmass in the Cyclades, it offers ancient, chalk-white towns hugged by azure seas, a mountainous hinterland dotted with isolated villages where time has stood still for centuries, and a rich heritage, spanning from Ancient Times to Venetian rule.

For a typical Cycladic experience, start with Chora, the main port, a labyrinthine capital filled with cubic houses, at the foot of an imposing castle (Kastro):

Soak up the ancient atmosphere, get some freshly-caught fish from a local tavern (To Elliniko‘s the best one for regional cuisine at reasonable prices), or browse the shops lining the stone-paved main street for souvenirs.

Away from Chora, there’s the scenic Temple of Apollo, the remnants of a Greek temple, or more specifically, its marble doorway, essentially acting as a window to the sunset-tinged coast.

Inland, you can visit Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades, rising about 3,290 feet above sea level, and make sure you don’t miss out on the cave where Zeus was allegedly raised.

Whilst you’re at it, take a drive up to Aspiranthos, one of those many picture-perfect, stone-built villages that have largely been protected from the spoils of mass tourism:

Expect marble pavements, cozy cafe terraces shaded by leafy lemon trees, and an all-around authentic feel.

For a beach day, Agios Prokopios has golden sands, clear waters, and a handful of well-reputed beachfront taverns serving delicious food and refreshing drinks.

By the way, renting a sunbed here costs only $15 for the day.

Considering Naxos’ proximity to Santorini, you’d expect it to be a lot pricier than what it actually is, but in reality, budget hotels like Adonis here start from a shockingly-cheap $53-a-night for 2 adults (or only $26 each), and main dishes in Greek-frequented eateries range from $11–$17.

Crete

The Queen of Greek Islands, and the largest of them all, at that, Crete is the number one most-searched vacation in the Southeastern European country, with a whopping 390% rise in demand year-on-year, and it’s not hard to see why.

You could spend your holidays in Crete year after year, after year, and still fail to see all that it has to offer, and it’s an island of endless possibilities if you’re either a nature lover or a history buff.

Its bustling port capital, Heraklion, has all the beautiful chaos Greek metropolises are known for: picture the usual mess of hectic traffic, pedestrianized shopping streets with their usual rows of souvenir shops and alfresco eateries, and a palm-lined, modern promenade.

Near Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Greece. Dating back to the Minoan era, it is a ruined temple, but unlike other ruined temples, parts of its once-brightly painted exterior have survived.

Over in Elafonissi Beach, there are pinkish sands straddling a crystalline Aegean Sea, and if long trousers don’t usually put you off, you’ll want to do the 10-mile Samaria Gorge walk, taking you to the heart of a stunning canyon.

For a Cretan city that feels considerably more ‘chill’ than Heraklion, consider adding the colorful Chania to your itinerary: criss-crossed by narrow alleys, and encroaching on an Instagrammable Venetian-built harbor, it is sure to leave a long-lasting impression.

We mean, its mouth-watering bougatsa will.

As a large island with a vast range of tourist accommodations, Crete is probably among the most budget-friendly destinations in Greece this summer:

Downtown rooms in Heraklion cost from as little as $53 per night (as a traveling couple, that’s $26.50 each), and eating local is generally inexpensive.

For instance, getting a takeout souvlaki gyros on the Heraklion port area usually comes up to about $3.37, and as for a sit-down meal in Chania, Tamam Restaurant is a trendy Greek-Middle Eastern fusion serving sizable meals for roughly $10–15 (do try their chicken with honey and mustard!)

Heading to Greece this summer?

Discover other incredible, unheard-of islands with smaller (or no) crowds and cheaper prices here.

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Travelers rightfully question if the long-haul flight to Brazil is worth it, especially with the country’s new invasive entry requirements for U.S. passport holders.

In other words, save your paycheck!

As Rio has held a sketchy reputation in recent years with notable upticks in crime, it’s become clear the iconic beach destination is no longer the same must-visit getaway one might expect.

As gargantuan as Brazil is, there’s gotta be some overlooked gems, right? Airbnb just revealed where travelers are making plans this summer, and it’s not Rio or even Sao Paulo highlighting itineraries this summer.

Nope — it’s the lesser-known urban sprawl of Belo Horizonte; a safe, welcoming, foodie lover’s dream that was coincidentally one of my favorite trips the past few years, if not solely because of my new weekend vice, the puckery-mouthed sweetness of caipirinhas.

But, Belo Horizonte isn’t just a haven for cheap eats and cocktails too good to be true; it’s a vibrant urban playground with a buzzing maze of markets, affordable luxury, world-class nightlife, and a gateway to a timeless UNESCO-protected town worthy of a day trip at the very least.

Fly Direct To Belo Horizonte

Every traveler has to ask themselves if a trip is worth taking, whether it be due to costs or the amount of hours sitting idle in one space with the risk of crying children, bad movie selections, and the off-chance you get the middle seat.

I can attest that Belo Horizonte is very well worth the long journey, and I didn’t even take one of the pair of nonstop flights from U.S. soil.

As you might imagine, there are numerous nonstop flights to Rio and Sao Paulo, but Belo Horizonte doesn’t hold the same household recognition.

There are 2 direct flights from Florida, one being from Orlando (MCO) and the other being Miami (MIA).

Americans can fly with Sao Paulo-based Azul Brazilian Airlines from MCO 5 days per week, and the same goes from MIA 3 days per week re-upping in July.

Beyond Acaí: Feast On The World’s Most Underrated Cuisine

Chances are you’ve had an acaí bowl by now. This Brazilian treat would be like comparing a ground beef taco with shredded cheese to Mexico’s best.

Brazilian cuisine is full of depth and flavor, often deriving from ingredients you’ve never heard of. This is likely because their food is too challenging to replicate in the U.S., as it would lose its freshness if imported.

In case you missed it years ago, famed chef and world explorer Anthony Bourdain traversed Minas Gerais on an episode of Parts Unknown, the state that holds Belo Horizonte, and is heralded as Brazil’s food capital — and not that my word should top Tony’s, but it definitely lived up to the hype.

Not one meal was disappointing, whether it was cheap skewers of mystery street meat, a few “splurges” on fine dining, or perhaps Brazil’s most notable sinfully delicious snack, Pan de Queijo.

Anthony Bourdain said, “Greens, chickens, pigs, fruit, everything is at hand — the food of the yard. And eventually, it all ends up here at the wood stove, the center of the Miniera kitchen.”

I’d say that about sums it up. People of Minas Gerais are masters of making use of every tidbit of edible morsel and this was no more evident than my visit (and Tony’s) to Nonô, one of the few establishments open all night, welcoming all walks of life and serving up “peasant food” consisting of cheap meat cuts and slow-cooked stews for dirt-cheap prices.

But my real love from my Belo Horizonte trip was my discovery of caipirinhas, a dangerously delicious cocktail made of Cachaça, lime, and sugar that will have you hitting up Fogo de Chão’s happy hour when you get back home.

Enjoy Modern City Luxury And A Timeless Town Nearby

The lookout from Parque de Serra do Curral seems like the vibrant cityscape never ends. All you see is a sea of towering high-rises, but this is to your benefit as many of what you are see are cheap Airbnbs and luxury hotels.

Take the 4-star Royal Center Hotel Lourdes, for example. It’s only $51 per night this summer.

While you might be thinking Brazil is super hot in summer, think again. Belo Horizonte feels like spring with consistent 70-degree days across the summer months, which is all the more reason to explore, even though I could personally spend hours wandering the indoor Mercado Central, one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The centuries-old former gold-mining town of Ouro Preto is the perfect excuse to enjoy the nice weather by grabbing a cup of coffee at a sidewalk cafe or simply enjoying a nice stroll through the cobbled streets lined with sightly baroque buildings.

Ouro Preto is an hour away by bus and arguably Minas Gerais’ most postcard-worthy destination, even as culturally rich as Belo Horizonte is.

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After many years of delays, it’s finally happening, my friends.

No, not the Electronic Travel Authorization, the other (equally) bureaucratic hurdle facing travelers when landing in the European Union (EU) in the near future—and this includes Americans.

The 27-country-strong block is gearing up to launch its much-postponed Entry-Exit System, commonly shortened to EES, as early as this upcoming fall, and for those of you who are still in the dark about Europe’s new plans, you better get ready for some stricter screening.

EU member states will start fingerprinting and entering your private information into their database for immigration checks from October 2025, and this is how it’s going to play out:

What Is Even An EES?

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past three years, the EU has been considering introducing an Entry-Exit System that will considerably tighten border controls, including fingerprinting all new arrivals.

This is not only to ensure the information on their passport matches their biometric data, but also to crack down on irregular migration, or even just overstayers.

As you might be aware, as a U.S. citizen, you can only be present in the border-free Schengen Zone, which comprises all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, for 90 days out of any 180-day period.

In other words, if you fly to Paris, France, on May 1, 2025, and you spend 7 days exploring the City of Love and other medieval gems nearby easily-accessible with the TGV train, you will then have 83 days left to travel around the Schengen territories until October 28.

This includes countries like Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and many more.

As of right now, the only way border officials have to know whether you’re within the 90/180-day rule is verifying entry and exit stamps manually.

You know where we’re going with this…

Once the EES launches, fingerprinting will make these checks way easier, as it will act as both a ‘check-in’, and ‘check-out’ device every time you cross an external European border, and any overstayers will be immediately flagged by the system.

And trust us when we say, if you don’t want to get a hefty fine, or worse, even banned from returning to the Old Continent, you should make sure you’re in compliance with the rules.

How Do We Know The EES Is Launching In October?

It seems that, following months of endless debates and back-and-forth, an agreement was reached by the EU’s Interior Ministers in Brussels last March.

In the words of the Polish Minister of the Interior, Tomasz Siemoniak, ‘October is our horizon‘ for the start date of the EES.

No official date has been set yet, but at least we have a month to work with now.

The one major roadblock is the various stages of preparedness seen across the EU: while some countries already have the technology in place and are ready to start the fingerprinting, others are nowhere near launching.

We have to remember that this will apply not only to passport, but all land and sea borders, and a number of European countries have multiple border checkpoints with non-EU, or non-Schengen states in the vicinity, that are not as well-equipped as an international airport.

For that reason, the European Commission is planning to be ‘flexible’, and allow for a phased introduction of the Entry-Exit System.

What Is The Path Ahead?

In short, European nations will have 2 options: either launch the system all at once, across all its checkpoints, or in a ‘phased manner’.

Those opting for the latter would kick off a 6-month transition period from October, and would be required to properly register 10% of incoming travelers after the first month.

For the first 60 days, they may also operate the EES without the biometric controls, i.e. the much-dreaded fingerprinting.

After 3 months, they must be ready to operate the system with all biometric functionalities, and they should finally be able to register ‘all people’ towards the end of the 6 months.

This will avoid any further delays, as it will enable European states to move at their own pace.

The wait is over, guys: get ready for some (more) border scrutiny by fall 2025.

How Will The EES Work?

If you’re wondering how exactly the EES will work, it’s simple:

You’re still required to bring a valid passport to the EU, and on top of that, it should remain valid for an additional 3 months beyond your intended date of departure.

Come October, however, once you scan your U.S. passport in an e-Gate, you will be instructed to provide your fingerprints and get photographed—this should take an additional 2-3 minutes for every traveler, and that’s considering they’re tech-savvy and don’t faff around, so beware there might be significant delays.

Once that’s done, you’re good to go, and you won’t have to do it a second time, or at least until your biometric data is stored in the EU database.

Based on what we’ve been informed previously, this might be a 2-year period if you’re not a frequent traveler, though that’s yet to be confirmed, and we’ll be sure to rectify this should it be necessary when the time comes.

As for the ETIAS, the new ‘digital visa’ applying to Americans and visa-exempt travelers, in general (or dare we say it, the other European boogeyman), you don’t have to worry about that until late 2026… at the earliest.

Worry not; we’ve got you covered, and we’ll be sure to fill you in on any updates on that front, too.

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For a number of years now, Europe has been touting the release of a digital travel permit, or in technical terms, an ETIAS, that would apply to all Americans flying to the continent.

From 2021 up until now, it’s been delayed more times than we can count.

Though some news outlets reported earlier this year that 2025 would be the year entry requirements for flying to Europe would change, we really called it, as usual, and predicted back changes would come in 2026 at the earliest.

Now, we’ve heard it from the European Commission themselves.

The ETIAS website has finally launched, and along with it, a confirmation from European Union authorities that the new document will only become an official requirement in the last quarter of 2026.

In their words, “no action is required from travelers at this point”.

If you’re wondering what an ETIAS is, or what exactly does a digital travel permit means, it functions essentially as an online visa, though it isn’t formally called one, without which you will not be able to enter Europe.

Many countries have released different versions of this over the years, under different acronyms: ETA, NZeTA (for New Zealand), and even ESTA in the case of the U.S.

Yep, you might not know this, but the U.S. also requires Europeans and many other foreign nationals to apply for this permit before traveling.

You simply wouldn’t be aware if you’re an American, as it’s your home country and thus visa requirements don’t concern you, or Canadian, who have an exemption.

Europe’s ETIAS will be imposed on all current visa-waiver countries that enjoy low-bureaucracy access to the European Union.

This includes allies like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.

It will cover a whopping 29 countries who are part of Europe’s single customs union and border-free Schengen Area:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Soon enough, the small Mediterranean country of Cyprus will also join the Schengen Area, potentially before 2025, so watch out for that one (link).

Essentially, before traveling to any of the countries listed above, U.S. citizens will have to first request their ETIAS permit, or else they will not be able to board their flights.

It’s hardly exciting news when visa requirements change for Americans—remember Brazil? (link)—but hey, at least the EU is keeping it simple!

Once the ETIAS goes live, all you have to do is create an account on the official website, already available here (link), fill out the form, answer a series of security questions pertaining to your character, personal life, and travel purpose, and pay a 7 euro fee.

Usually, Electronic Travel Authorization forms take between 10 and 15 minutes to be completed, and they’re usually processed immediately, or only a few seconds upon submission.

Once your ETIAS is approved, which should happen instantly for most, unless you’re deemed to be a high-risk traveler or a criminal, you will receive it on the same email you provided when creating your account.

An ETIAS is valid for short stays in the aforementioned Schengen countries, namely 90 days out of any 180-day period.

Not individually, but across all of Schengen: 

Hypothetically, if you’ve flown to France, kickstarted the clock, and used up 7 of those days in Paris from May 1, 2025, then you will have 83 days left to visit other Schengen countries until October 28, 2025.

As the EU Commission has stated, “you must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay”.

Travelers may leave and return at any time, as long as they respect the 90-180 day rule, and their ETIAS remains valid.

Those who are found to be in breach of the short-stay rule, something that will become far easier to catch as soon as the accompanying Entry-Exit System (EES), gets put into motion, might be penalised.

Depending on the length of overstay and the severity, this could involve having their ETIAS revoked, and thus their travel privileges, getting issued hefty fines, and a worst case scenario, even a multiple-year travel ban.

ETIAS will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, or it may expire sooner if your passport is due to expire earlier.

EU authorities are reminding tourists once again that their passports must not be due to expire for at least 3 months following their intended date of entry.

In the event it is expiring sooner, they will not be able to board EU-bound flights, or other transportation modes even in the possession of a valid ETIAS.

For all the dual U.S.-EU nationals out there, we hear your concerns:

You are not affected by these changes, as you are a citizen of the European Union as well.

However, in that case, you should make sure you always book any EU-bound flights using your EU passport.

Travelling to Europe on an American one, you will need an ETIAS, even if you can show proof you’re European too.

It’s a simple rule:

Going to the U.S.? Blue passport so as to bypass the ESTA requirement.

Flying to Europe? Grab the red one, and you’re exempt from ETIAS.

It’s a fast-changing travel landscape and an increasingly confusing world to navigate.

Travel requirements for Americans are changing across the board, and you don’t want to left out of the news loop only to get an unpleasant surprise at the airport, or arriving at a foreign border.

Check out all the latest updates, including a similar one from the U.K., here. (Link)

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If you thought ranches and rodeos were the only place for cattle herds, you haven’t been to an airport!

There’s no doubt TSA agents have a tough job keeping travelers safe, and it’s easy to see all the potential threats they deal with daily, from questionable liquids to sharp objects and always that one traveler who forgets to pack deodorant.

But on the receiving end, it’s a frustrating ordeal being moved like livestock in tight spaces where every airport seems to have different rules, which can add precious time to getting to your gate.

Plus, just when you think you’ve struck gold with a TSA PreCheck emblem on your boarding pass, somehow the PreCheck line always seems to be longer than the standard line of normies.

Security checkpoints and the boarding process may be the most annoying parts of travel, and a busy spring season surely won’t change that, but the TSA just issued a new travel alert urging travelers to follow 4 essential tips to make your experience at airports as seamless as possible.

Pack Wisely And Think Ahead

We’ve all been behind that one person who seems like they’ve never traveled before. Oh, that’s me. Sorry.

Despite having traveled to nearly 40 countries, that should speak volumes about how unorganized each airport around the world can be.

Well, with the exception of Oman – that place is spotless and a well-oiled machine!

But here in the U.S., it’s a fustercluck come spring, followed by summer. No matter how many places I go, it’s always a guessing game if liquids and electronics need to be removed and if I remember to take off my metal-clasped bracelet that always sets off that stupid machine.

TSA is asking travelers to meticulously organize their carry-ons for when these situations arise. This means having your liquids and electronics accessible so as not to hold up the line.

Sorry, guys. I’ll be better.

Furthermore, you can text or tweet (is that still a thing?) TSA with any questions regarding compliance.

Text: 275-872
X: @AskTSA

Arrive Early: Don’t Believe The ‘Airport Theory’

Just like we’ve all been behind people like me in airport lines, we’ve surely also tested fate by arriving way too close for comfort, ultimately missing our flight entirely or making it by the skin of our teeth.

TSA is urging travelers to arrive early and not take part in the current TikTok ‘airport theory’ which tests if you really need to arrive the suggested 2 hours before flight departure.

Newsflash: it doesn’t work!

As spring is one of the busiest times of year, it’s best to face the music and arrive early to ensure you make the vacation you’ve been waiting for all winter.

TSA considers spring’s peak season March 6 – 24, so if your trip falls in this window, expect crowds.

Last Call For REAL IDs!

The time has finally arrived. REAL IDs will be required for all flights this spring with few exceptions.

The goalpost has been pushed back until May 7, 2025 when TSA will be enforcing the new requirement to board flights.

While nobody wants to visit the DMV, nobody wants to miss their flight either over something so simple.

Every passenger aged 18 and over must show a valid ID or U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.

There are some other options to bypass the new REAL ID requirements. For example, I don’t need one since I have a SENTRI card.

To view a full list of exemptions, click here.

A Little Patience Goes A Long Way

As frustrating as airports can be, try to remember TSA agents are human like you and me and are simply doing their job to keep us all safe.

While certain tactics and rules may seem over the top, it’s for our own good whether we like it in the moment or not.

The truth is if you’re an avid traveler this spring, you’re going to experience some airport headaches, so it’s best to simply embrace it’s going to happen.

A little patience goes a long way and helps keep the security process running smoothly. And just know it’s illegal to harass and impede the work of federal employees, including TSA.

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You may know Mexico already for its white-sand beaches, glitzy resort zones and buzzing beach bars, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg:

With a history spanning thousands of years, it is one of the most culturally-charged countries in the Americas, and if it’s Old World charm you seek, rest assured you’ll find as much of it south of the border, a short 3 to 4-hour flight away, as you would across the Atlantic.

Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that a growing number of U.S. travelers is flocking to an offbeat Queretaro instead of the usual beach hotspots in the Mexican Caribbean: not only is it among Mexico’s finest offers in terms of city breaks, but it’s also European-pretty:

Queretaro Is One Of The Prettiest Cities In Mexico

A gem of central Mexico, Queretaro is a UNESCO-listed settlement dating back to the early period of European colonization, famous for having a historic center that’s been largely preserved as the centuries passed.

When you think of a city in the Americas, you probably picture steel-and-glass and endless rows of skyscrapers lining buzzing boulevards, and though that may apply to other larger cities, including Mexico City, it’s not the aesthetics that apply to Queretaro:

Picture narrower, pedestrianized streets lined with brightly painted facades, a plethora of Baroque churches, each of them unique in character and just as ornate as the next, and numerous plazas bordered by laid-back eateries.

Oh, and if you’re wondering whether Queretaro is just surface-level beautiful, you should know it is oftentimes considered the birthplace of Mexican Independence: it is here the revolt against Spanish rule erupted in the 19th century.

An Intact Colonial Center Awaiting Discovery

Among Queretaro’s most historically significant sites, there’s a pink-stone Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo, built in 1752, a Franciscan monastery now housing the Regional Museum of Queretaro, housing art that spans from the pre-Columbian to the colonial era.

In the heart of town, the Teatro de la República is a stunning Neoclassical venue that was once at the front of Mexico’s war for independence: it is where Emperor Maximilian I was tried, the same monarch who opposed freedom from Spain and got executed as a result.

Speaking of whom he would meet his tragic end up, Cerro de las Campanas, a centrally-located hill now topped with a chapel marking the place where the execution took place––regardless of the dark past, the view from the top is breathtaking, dare we say.

Looking for more important historic landmarks? From Casa de la Corregidora, formerly owned by Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, the woman of the hour of the Mexican War of Independence, to the 74-arch, 18th-century aqueduct, Queretaro’s rich Spanish heritage is boundless.

It’s European Pretty And This Affordable?

Other than architectural value and history, Queretaro is one of the most affordable destinations in the sun-drenched center of Mexico, from the local-owned eateries, serving delicious enchiladas queretanas and strawberry tamales for around a dollar, to the inexpensive accommodation:

A 5-star standard room at Casa Inn Premium Hotel will cost you from $68 a night, and the City Express by Marriott is even more budget-friendly, starting at $63 for a queen room, with breakfast included, and within walking distance of the main attractions.

Looking for cheap eats while in town? Make sure you add the locally-run Zandunga to your list, especially if you love huevos rancheros ($5), and a well-frequented Santa Cecina, for a big selection of tacos and parrilladas, with prices ranging from a mere $1.26 to $4.35.

Queretaro is a world-class cultural city break. It has beautiful sights evocative of the bygone Spanish Empire, at its most elegant at that, and it will hardly break the bank if you think places like Cancun or Cabo are a bit out of budget for you.

What’s not to like?

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Last Updated 21 hours ago

Sunny San Diego. Well, most of the time…

“America’s Finest City” isn’t immune to occasional rain showers and a couple of months of gray skies. Vacationers are often disappointed by “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” as locals have dubbed them.

Besides checking the weather forecast, there are 4 exciting new things every traveler needs to know when visiting San Diego in 2025.

First, you might want to double-check the airport you’re flying into.

Second, before booking your stay, there’s a pair of lavish new ‘firsts’ hitting San Diego shores.

Lastly, crossing into Mexico is about to get a whole lot easier. You can bypass the ‘busiest border in the world’ without stepping foot in neighboring Tijuana – and no, it’s not locals’ favorite travel loophole, the Cross Border Xpress.

So, without further ado, here are 4 exciting things travelers should know when visiting San Diego in 2025:

1) American Airlines Now Flies To Carlsbad

San Diego is often categorized into 4 quadrants: North County, Central, East County and South Bay.

As such, sometimes visitors miss out on North County’s delights, given the headache-inducing traffic through a cluster of pristine beach towns.

Well, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore, especially since Carlsbad, in particular, should be a destination city in its own right.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is reopening for commercial traffic, where American Airlines is betting big on Carlsbad’s potential with the first and only flight (for now) set to launch February 13th from Phoenix.

Located less than half an hour from Orange County and roughly 40 minutes from San Diego’s main attractions, Carlsbad can be used as a gateway to other cool spots or your base as it’s home to beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and LEGOLAND, a popular spot for families who don’t want to deal with all that comes with giggly oversized rodents of Anaheim.

Travel Tip: American Airlines now also flies nonstop to Tijuana, the city’s only U.S.-based airline.

2) Avoid LEGOLAND Crowds! San Diego’s First Adults-Only Resort

On second thought, if you’re not traveling with the kiddos in tow and prefer to avoid the under-18 bunch altogether, there’s exciting news just for you.

A few miles down I-5 lies the coastal paradise of Encinitas, home to numerous celebrities hiding out from Hollywood (smart move!), a close-knit surfers community, and multiple stunning beaches such as one of my favorites, Moonlight Beach.

What you may not know is Encinitas is home to Alila Marea Beach Resort, which is transforming into San Diego’s sole adults-only resort.

As such, could there be a better re-opening date than Valentine’s Day? Just don’t come back home with a bun in the oven…

Kinda defeats the purpose, no?

3) A New Era of Tourism With Chula Vista’s Inaugural Resort

Chula Vista is typically way off tourists’ radar and more often seen as one of the best San Diego County cities to score cheap(er) rent.

Heck, that’s what got me to move here! Honestly, Chula Vista has been a pleasant surprise with scenic mountain-view parks, an underrated downtown, and endless Tijuana-style taco shops without having to step across the border.

Soon, Chula Vista will be casting San Diego’s often-overlooked South Bay in the spotlight with the grand opening of the city’s first-ever resort, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, boasting 1,600 rooms and 12 restaurants and bars.

Gaylord scored prime real estate as this area is the last frontier of San Diego’s untouched shores along Chula Vista’s San Diego Bay, with epic coastal views facing west over popular vacation spot Coronado.

According to local news source NBC 7, there will be a soft opening in mid-May, followed by an official grand opening in July.

4) Skip The Border! New Direct Ferry Into Mexico’s “Napa”

I go to Tijuana every month. Despite having a SENTRI card, crossing the border can still be a grind, which is often a deterrent for fellow Californians and tourists alike who want to see what Northern Baja is all about.

Plus, Tijuana has a sketchy reputation. Not everyone wants to take that chance. The neighboring town of Tecate (yes, that Tecate you might have in your fridge) is widely considered much safer, serving as a gateway into Mexico’s gorgeous Valle de Guadalupe, commonly dubbed Mexico’s “Napa”.

Stretching from Tecate to Ensenada is the Ruta del Vino, a scenic wine route passing numerous vineyards, luxe resorts, and bucket-list Airbnbs.

While most Americans start their wine adventures in Tecate, a new direct ferry capable of carrying up to 330 passengers from San Diego is set to change that.

Slated to launch in May (if necessary tests go according to plan in April), the Azteca Ferry will give travelers the ultimate loophole to bypass the hectic border, which often has 3-hour wait times at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Tickets are not sale as of yet, but last we reported prices were expected in the $100 range. However, there is a schedule posted on Azteca Ferries’ website:

Travel tip: If you complete the whole Ensenada – Tecate wine route, I can’t recommend 4-star Santuario Diegueño enough to rest up and enjoy sensational eats at on-site restaurant, Asao.

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Last Updated 10 mins ago

Year after year, the love and appreciation Americans have for Mexico always seem to grow no matter how grim a picture is painted of their southerly neighbor.

It is, by a long mile, the most popular international destination for U.S. passport holders, regardless of concerns about petty crime and gang activity, which time and again make mainstream media headlines.

While it’s true there are certain Mexican states that you wouldn’t want to find yourself traveling alone as a foreigner––like any other country with good and bad parts––most tourist hotspots south of the border are relatively safe for visiting.

You don’t need to trust a complete stranger who writes travel articles for a living online: trust U.S. authorities.

If you’re planning on escaping to Mexico in the coming weeks for some much-needed time in the sun or a cultural immersion, here are 4 of the safest destinations as confirmed by the U.S. State Department itself:

Los Cabos

Mexico’s top destination for unwinding, boasting an enviable concentration of luxurious hotels, Los Cabos, is one of the least-dangerous beach destinations for risk-averse travelers.

For starters, most travelers heading to Cabo will be staying in an all-inclusive resort with their own private beach and world-class amenities, and even those who dare venture outside will find a strictly surveilled downtown area.

Police officers regularly patrol public beaches along the resort strip between the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, and there is a presence of CCTV and security guards in touristy districts.

When it comes to tourists being affected by crime, very few, if any at all, report complaints: in fact, it’s the exact opposite, as they’re spending a longer time in Cabo than other coastal destinations in Mexico, drawn to its safety and laid-back vibe.

Riviera Nayarit

An up-and-coming leisure hotspot stretching for over 200 miles along the Mexican Pacific, from Nuevo Vallarta, on the Jalisco-Nayarit state border, to San Blas, the Riviera Nayarit is dotted with peaceful beachfront settlements and pristine marine reserves.

It is often skipped altogether by tourists landing in Puerto Vallarta, the trendy resort city on the Jalisco side, but as it turns out, the state of Nayarit is much safer:

In fact, U.S. authorities urge Americans to ‘reconsider’ traveling to Jalisco due to elevated crime and gang activity, while they simply encourage them to exercise ‘greater caution’ in the state of Nayarit, including its beautiful coast.

Be it surfer paradise Sayulita, the picture-perfect Bucerias, with its cobbled Main Street leading down to the ocean, or a well-frequented Guayabitos Beach, Americans are under no particularly significant risk vacationing up and down Nayarit.

Tulum

The crown jewel of the Mexican Caribbean, Tulum is a historic coastal town combining both Old World allure and wellness:

Its main beach is bounded by a series of five-star resorts and exclusive villas, while Tulum’s ancient archeological zone is highly sought-after by culture enthusiasts, thanks to its well-preserved temples and a scenic fort overlooking the Caribbean.

Similarly to other municipalities in the state of Quintana Roo, like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Tulum is considered a Level 2 destination by the U.S. State Department––in other words, crime is largely kept under control and reduced to petty incidents.

Though violence can take place, it is mostly restricted to suburban zones not visited by foreigners, and when it does spill over into Downtown, it typically involves individuals engaging in illicit activities and participating in gang culture.

Merida

The only destination on this list that American authorities consider perfectly safe to visit, Merida is a much-overlooked cultural gem of the Yucatan Peninsula that’s only recently started gaining traction, thanks to its improved connectivity with the Maya Train.

Capital of Yucatan (the state), it is distinguished for being one of the best-preserved colonial cities of the Americas, home to the oldest Spanish-built cathedral in the mainland continent, and a near-intact historic center with brightly-painted facades and leafy, cafe-bordered plazas.

Other than its notorious charm, Merida has attained popularity for its low-risk status as a destination: at Level 1, according to the U.S. State Department, Americans should exercise ‘normal’ precautions when visiting.

This means that, while petty crime and theft can occur, violent approaches are extremely unlikely, and the overwhelming majority of tourists will have a stress-free experience in Merida.

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Mexico is the most popular vacation destination for American travelers. But that popularity comes at a cost….and a significant hit to your wallet.

Popular resorts like Cancun and Tulum are often big-budget destinations. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Enter Puerto Escondido. The new hot Mexican beach destination for travelers who have a tight grip on their purse strings.

Puerto Escondido is home to bucket list-worthy beaches, it’s the top-rated surfing destination in Mexico (and one of the best in the world), and boasts outstanding natural beauty, too.

Here’s the thing: Budget travel doesn’t have to mean inferior travel.

I reckon you can have all the same cultural explorations, white sand beaches, and epic local grub at a fraction of the cost of a resort vacation in Cancun.

And to prove it, here’s a breakdown of the perfect trip to Puerto Escondido and how much it will cost:

Things To Do In Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is located on the Emerald Coast of Oaxaca and is known for its beaches and its epic nightlife scene.

One of the best beaches to explore in the area is Playa Carrizalillo, which is a calm cove perfect for swimming and kayaking.

This is one of the few beaches in Puerto Escondido where you could take out a paddleboard too.

Or Puerto Angelito. This is a more popular spot with tourists which means it is busier and has a more vibrant atmosphere.

But it’s a great place to eat seafood and sunbathe on the soft sand.

I love nothing more than spending time on the beach, swimming, and riding my paddleboard, but as an added bonus, these are some of the most affordable vacation activities: they don’t have to cost a penny!

Many turtles come back to the beaches along this stretch of the coast to nest.

Visiting the Baby Turtle Release Centre is a great way to learn more about these incredible creatures, and you can do your bit for their conservation by getting involved in the nightly turtle release.

You can hold the baby turtle as you gently release it into the sea and experience the site of hundreds of these tiny animals scuttling toward the water.

You’ll be asked to make a contribution of $150 Mexican pesos ($8) per person to take part in this.

If you’re in Mexico’s surfing capital, you’re probably going to want to surf.

Surfers travel from all over the world to ride Puerto Escondido’s famous barrel waves.

If you’re an experienced surfer then the best and most affordable way to do this is to just hire a board and hit the waves.

If you’re new to surfing then it’s a good idea to take a lesson or two first. Puerto Surf has a great reputation and you can choose between private or group lesson options (with group lessons being the most affordable choice.) A group lesson will cost 750 MXN ($39) and a private lesson will cost 900 MXN ($47).

Getting To Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido boasts its own airport (PXM) Airport which is obviously the most convenient option, but you can’t fly here directly from the U.S. right now as it isn’t an international airport.  

You’d have to fly to Mexico City and then take another flight from here.

The 2 cheapest airports to choose to fly this route in October are Houston and Chicago, at the time of writing.

From Chicago, from October 8 to October 15, flying economy class roundtrip, you can expect to pay $276.

This is flying with Vivo Aerobus, and as I mentioned above, you’d have a layover in Mexico City.

Or you could fly into Oaxaca (OAX), which is 131.3km away, with a range of transfer options available.

In October, you can fly directly to Oaxaca from Los Angeles, Dallas, or Houston. Flights from Los Angeles are currently the cheapest option.

Fly from October 7 to October 14 to secure an economy class round trip for $269.

You’ll fly with Volaris, and the flight time for this route is just 4 hours and 2 minutes.

There are flights with similar prices throughout October and November.

The drive time between Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido is just under 3 hours if you want to hire a car or a private driver. (Fun fact! It took me longer to get to Tulum from Cancun airport via private transfer in May)

Alternatively, you could take a bus, which would take around 7/8 hours, but on the bright side, the journey costs less than $20!

Where To Stay In Puerto Escondido

Where I was most pleasantly surprised when putting this piece together was just how affordable accommodation is in Puerto Escondido.

There are hostels available in the city for as little as $15 per night, and these are popular with both backpackers and surfers.

A huge majority of these have great reviews. But as I wouldn’t stay in a hostel myself, I won’t list any here!

A 3-night stay in the 3-star Hotel Camino Del Sol from October 16 to October 19 would cost $189, based on 2 people sharing a superior king room. That’s just $63 per night, and the hotel has a pool, air conditioning, and is close to the beach.

If you want to splurge on a 4 star hotel then the Hotel DC Boutique and Spa is just 50 meters from the beach and boasts a rooftop outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, and on site bar and restaurant.

For the same dates this would cost $268 based on 2 people sharing, which works out at $89 per night.

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