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Planning an international trip often comes with a checklist: passport, flights, hotels… and safety. Especially now, with the world feeling a bit unpredictable, knowing you’re heading somewhere secure is more important than ever. When dreaming of Asia – a continent bursting with vibrant cultures, incredible food, and breathtaking landscapes – safety is definitely top of mind.

While many Asian nations are welcoming tourists back with open arms and offer fantastic experiences, one country stands out for its remarkable safety record in 2025. According to several major global rankings, this island nation isn’t just safe; it’s one of the safest places on the entire planet.

Get ready to add Singapore to your 2025 travel list!

Singapore: Officially Asia’s Safest Country (And One of the World’s!)

Forget outdated worries; modern Asia is booming, and tourism is bouncing back stronger than ever. From the beaches of Thailand to the temples of Japan, travelers are rediscovering the magic of the East. But if you’re looking for the destination with the highest safety ratings, all signs point to Singapore.

Recent global reports paint a clear picture:

• The Gallup Law and Order Index (data from late 2024) consistently places Singapore near the very top globally, often scoring 95 out of 100. Residents report feeling incredibly safe walking around, day or night.
• The Global Peace Index (GPI), a measure of national peacefulness, ranks Singapore as the most peaceful country in Asia and among the top 10 worldwide (often placing around 5th or 6th globally in recent reports).
• Other indices, like the CEOWORLD Magazine International Peace Index, also rank Singapore as the safest in Asia (9th globally for 2025).

What makes Singapore so safe? It’s a combination of factors. The country is known for its strictly enforced laws, which act as a strong deterrent against crime. Violent crime rates are exceptionally low – among the lowest in the world. There’s a strong culture of respect for the law, taught from a young age, and high public trust in the police. Political stability and economic prosperity also play significant roles. While some might point to its strict rules, there’s no denying the result: an environment where tourists and locals alike feel secure.

Beyond Safety: Why Singapore Shines for Travelers

Okay, so it’s incredibly safe. But is it fun? Absolutely! Singapore offers a dazzling, futuristic cityscape blended with rich cultural heritage and lush green spaces. It’s a place where you can explore gleaming skyscrapers one moment and wander through traditional shophouses the next.

Here’s just a taste of what awaits you:

• Iconic Landmarks: You can’t miss the stunning Gardens by the Bay with its Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest dome, or the architectural marvel of Marina Bay Sands (yes, the hotel with the infinity pool on top!).
• Foodie Paradise: Singapore is world-famous for its food scene. Dive into bustling hawker centers (like Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell Food Centre) for delicious and affordable local dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Chili Crab.
• Cultural Melting Pot: Explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown, the colorful temples of Little India, and the charming boutiques of Kampong Glam. Singapore celebrates its multiculturalism, offering diverse experiences within easy reach.

• Green City: Despite being a dense urban center, Singapore is surprisingly green. Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or take a walk along the Southern Ridges for treetop views.
• Effortless Travel: Getting around is a breeze thanks to an incredibly efficient and clean public transport system (MRT). English is widely spoken, making communication easy for international visitors. Plus, Changi Airport is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, making your arrival and departure smooth sailing.

For American travelers, Singapore is generally visa-free for short tourist stays (typically up to 90 days), making planning straightforward.

So, if you’re looking for an Asian adventure in 2025 that combines fascinating culture, delicious food, stunning sights, and gives you total peace of mind when it comes to safety, Singapore should be at the top of your list. It’s a shining example of a modern, stable, and welcoming destination ready to impress.

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

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

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

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

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

Small Town Charm & Cheap Stays

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chincoteague’s Best Beaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ultimate Place To Horse Around

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

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

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

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

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

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Croatia is a country of many islands- over 1,000 to be somewhat exact- and you’re likely to have heard of a trendy Hvar, an up-and-coming alternative to Ibiza, the resort-filled Krk at some point, or the idyllic Brač and its white-pebble beaches at some point. 

Croatian islands are nowhere near Greece’s level of popularity, but they’re getting there, and every passing year feels busier than the last one.

If you’re dreaming of an idyllic Mediterranean summer island-hopping around the Adriatic nation, your options aren’t limited to the top 3 most popular:

According to the experts at Condé Nast Traveller, these are 5 practically unheard-of Croatian islands you can hop around this summer, with cheaper prices and almost no crowds:

Dugi Otok

Literally called the ‘long island’, Dugi Otok lies off the coast of Zadar, and it’s best known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, boasting diverse landscapes, including sea cliffs and serene bays bathed by turquoise seas, and pleasant temps year-round.

Its main attraction, Telašćica is a coastal preserve lined with secluded coves, including a handful of naturist spots, and if you’re here primarily for swimming, you should know the white-sand Sakarun routinely features on lists of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches.

Other landmarks include the Veli Rat Lighthouse, one of the tallest in the country, and the quaint Sali, the largest settlement, where houses are built from stone, and a seafood main and some local wine will set you back by around $15.

Vis

Vis is distinguished for being the most remote island in Croatia: it is the farthest one from the mainland, and you can only reach it by boat, usually from the bustling port city of Split, which only adds to its unspoiled character and historic charm.

From Vis Town, the picturesque capital, to the sleepy fishing village of Komiža, there’s plenty of sightseeing opportunities, not to mention the numerous beaches: Stiniva, for instance, has little to no crowds, and its seas are of the turquoise-most blue.

Speaking of blue, Vis is a popular day trip for Split-based guests thanks to its Blue Cave, or Biševo, where the water seems to almost glow in an ethereal-like blue light, and its rich Vugava white: if you’re a wine lover, a tour of the ancient wineries costs only $60.

Rab

For the culture buffs out there, you might want to check out Rab, a tiny island accessible from the port of Stinica, revolving around a tiny Rab Town: the main settlement, it is dotted with Romanesque bell towers and criss-crossed with medieval, cobbled alleys.

Outside Rab Town, you should visit the aptly-named Paradise Beach (or Rajska Plaža), near Lopar, the busiest beach on the island thanks to its sandy banks and shallow, clear waters—well-frequented, but nowhere near the mainland’s staggering levels of overtourism.

Staying overnight? Arbium has double rooms, with pool access, from as cheap as $53-a-night, and you can add a ‘superb’ breakfast for only $9 extra, though we would recommend you also try the capuccino and fresh pastries at the nearby Felix Caffe Bar.

Korčula

Within easy reach of Dubrovnik with the short-distance ferry, Korčula may form a tiny landmass, but it is by no means devoid of natural or even man-made wonders: picture fine-pebble beaches, vineyard-dotted hills, and an intact medieval capital.

Korčula Town is often referred to as the ‘Little Dubrovnik’, due to being completely surrounded by walls, similarly to its mainland counterpart, except you’ll find none of the usual hordes of Instagrammers flocking into its winding streets.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering what else Korčula is famous for, Marco Polo is said to have been born here, and there are many signature wines produced on the island, including Grk and Pošip—keen on some wine tasting? A glass of indigenous red in a local tavern costs around $4.

Šipan

Nicknamed ‘Golden Island’—only fitting, considering its glorious weather and sun-drenched shores—Šipan has historically offered Dubrovnik residents an escape from the humdrum of their daily routine, having served as a summer getaway for the city’s elites.

Now, it’s beckoning you to come and check it out for yourself, and we’re sure you’ll find that dolce vita (or should we say, uživanje) somewhere between Suđurađ, the main port, where ocher-colored houses encroach on a boat-filled marina, and a heavenly Priježba Beach.

Should you not want to rush it, and savor every $5 ćevapi, whilst taking in every blood-orange sunset by Šipanska Luka, a rare sandy strip you won’t easily find elsewhere in Croatia, overnights at the privately-managed Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela start from only $65 per night.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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I’ve been traveling for years and am definitely guilty of overlooking certain destinations because I assume right away they are out of my price range (looking at you Dubai)…

But what if I told you the wealthiest country on Earth is actually a super affordable travel destination?

Yep, I was just as surprised as you probably are.

Luxembourg—a gem nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium—boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world in 2025 according to a new report from World Atlas.

Yet, despite this, it’s refreshingly easy on the wallet for a traveler.

From free public transport to cheaper hotels and even castles you can explore without spending anything, Luxembourg is proof that you don’t need millionaire status to live like one.

Here’s why visiting the richest country on the planet won’t empty your wallet:

You Can Travel Everywhere For Free (Seriously)

You know that awkward moment when you can’t figure out how to use a foreign ticket machine and you’re just randomly jabbing buttons in a panic?

Yeah, that won’t happen in Luxembourg—because public transport is completely free.

No catch. No fine print. Just free buses, trains, and trams across the entire country.

Since 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make public transport free for both locals and tourists.

So, whether you’re zipping around Luxembourg City or heading out to explore the countryside, you’ll never have to fumble for coins or stress about ticket prices.

Pro tip: The only thing you’ll need is a form of ID, as conductors occasionally ask to see it. Otherwise, just hop on and go. It’s basically like having a golden ticket, but for regular folks.

5-Star Hotels That Won’t Break The Bank

For a country that’s so loaded, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable the accommodation is—even the fancy stuff.

I found 5-star hotels in the heart of Luxembourg City for under $300 a night (the Hotel Sofitel Luxembourg Europe), which is a steal compared to other popular European cities.

And we’re talking proper luxury—gorgeous suites, rooftop terraces, and spas that’ll make you consider missing your train home.

On a budget? No problem. You can easily snag a cozy hotel or guesthouse for around $100 a night, even in prime locations.

And if you’re feeling extra thrifty, there are plenty of affordable Airbnb options scattered around the countryside.

Free Castles, Cheap Museums, And Scenic Walks

You know what’s better than visiting a castle? Visiting a castle for free. And Luxembourg is full of them.

The country is basically one giant fairytale backdrop, with over 70 castles surrounded by forests and rolling hills. Many of them are free to explore from the outside, and even the ones with admission fees are pretty cheap compared to castles in neighboring countries.

Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly activities:

• Vianden Castle: This stunner looks straight out of a fairy tale, you half expect to see a dragon fly overhead, and entry is only €10 (about $11 USD).
• Free museums: Several museums along the Museum Mile in Luxembourg City offer free entry to their permanent exhibits.
• Scenic walking trails: You can stroll along the Chemin de la Corniche, aka “Europe’s most beautiful balcony,” for panoramic city views—completely free.

Oh, and if you’re a sucker for cityscapes, the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator offers one of the best views of Luxembourg City (i.e. the pic below)—and yep, it’s free too.

You Can Hop Over To France, Germany, Or Belgium In Under An Hour

One of the coolest things about Luxembourg is its ridiculously good location. It’s like the ultimate European basecamp.

From the main train station, you can be in:

• Trier, Germany in 40 minutes
• Metz, France in 50 minutes
• Brussels, Belgium in just over 2 hours
• Paris in less than 2 hours (if you take a high-speed train)

So, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can have breakfast in Luxembourg, lunch in Germany, and be back for dinner.

Luxembourg’s Countryside Feels Straight Out Of A Storybook

I’ll be honest—I expected the capital to be charming (which it is), but Luxembourg’s countryside totally steals the show.

Once you leave the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and hidden valleys that look straight out of a Tolkien novel.

Some must-visit countryside spots include:

• 🌳 Mullerthal Trail: Known as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland,” this region is perfect for hiking, with woodland paths, rock formations, and waterfalls.
• 🍷 Moselle Valley: Famous for its vineyards and wine tasting, this area is a must for anyone who enjoys sipping a glass of Riesling with a view.
• 🏰 Beaufort Castle: A charming, partially ruined castle surrounded by forests—ideal for a peaceful day trip. Though this one is not free, it is really affordable at 7 Euros per person.

Why Luxembourg Is Worth It (Even If You’re On A Budget)

Luxembourg may be the richest country in the world, but it’s surprisingly affordable for tourists and travelers like us.

With free public transport, reasonable hotels, and free attractions all over, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for budget-conscious travelers.

Plus, it makes the perfect home base for exploring Europe without the hassle of moving hotels every night.

So, next time you’re planning a Euro trip, don’t skip past Luxembourg.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.

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As you may have heard, things have been a bit shaky in Santorini between earthquake warnings, and if the bucket-list island is anything like last summer, then overtourism concerns will surely repeat themselves.

On the bright side, Greece is home to 6,000 islands and many offer unparalleled views, whitewashed buildings draped with the kako mati, and incredibly pristine beaches to make the long journey worthwhile.

National Geographic just revealed an in-depth guide to 31 Greek islands to check out this year and Santorini didn’t crack the top 15.

2025 is the year to tap into your sense of wanderlust and explore the unknown, including these 3 Greek islands Nat Geo hyped up as the best.

3) Kos

Boasting a mix of history and tranquil beaches, Kos is on the opposite end of the spectrum of party-fueled Mykonos and more aligned with islands Naxos and Paros with virtually no crowds.

Nat Geo has dubbed Kos the ‘bicycle island’, and rightfully so.

There are over 6,000 bikes for hire to wander designated trails, including a new 8-mile path along the coast.

No rap battles, though. And there’s waaaay better food than Mom’s spaghetti with Greek classics like gyros that never disappoint, along with mousaka, souvlaki, and a focus on fresh seafood like octopus and calamari, living up to the common phrase that ‘everything is betta with feta’.

Especially, when you can dine on a patio overlooking the vibrant blue sea at such places as Olivity, just tucked away enough to feel authentic.

One of the top sites to reach on two wheels is the ancient site of Asclepieion, only $4.50 to enter.

While it’s certainly not the Acropolis, it offers a glimpse into the past of famed native Hippocrates, the ‘Founder of Medicine’ and healing/medicinal practices lifetimes ago.

The waterfront of Kos (the main town with the same name) is vibrant, walkable, and a delight to make your base in old-timey inns, or you can level up at the island’s most unique stay — 5-star all-inclusive Mitsis Selection Blue Domes, with accommodations ranging from bungalows to villas.

And the pool is to die for. It seems like it never ends as if it flows straight into the sea.

2) Kalymnos

Formerly a sponge-diving hotspot, all that changed when Spongebob captured our hearts.

Okay, thats second part is a lie…

What’s really transformed the island of Kalymnos from a former diver haven in the 90s’ to now what’s attracted a new type of adventure: rock climbing.

You can’t miss Kalymnos staggering limestone cliffs, but even if you’re not into chalking up your hands and praying to all the Greek gods the ropes weren’t bought on Temu, the island is still an idyllic paradise offering beautiful beaches, vibrant villages, and overall, a refreshingly authentic Greek island experience.

Travelers rave about Platis Yialos Beach on TripAdvisor, but Vlychadia Beach is off-the-beaten path with crystal-clear waters on what feels like a secluded cove.

For the best views, travelers also rave about the unmissable Saint Savvas monastery perched on the hillside and are free to enter.

Hotels are super cheap if you’re willing to downsize to a cozy boutique hotel. Kantouni Blue Sea holds an impressive 4.9 Google rating, and rates are around $50 through spring.

1) Nisyros

Ever heard of Nisyros? It’s probably a good thing that most of us haven’t as the island’s claim to fame is an active volcano, but is open to the public to visit.

It erupted in the 1800s, but its wild history goes way deeper. The volcano’s origins certainly put the “myth” in “mythology.”

As Nat Geo put it, it was ‘Poseidon who seized a chunk of Kos and hurled it on top of a fiery Titan called Polyvotis’, resulting in the creation of Nisyros.

Fact check, anyone?

You’ll want to scroll back up to #3, as Kos is the best gateway here. Even if you’re not into volcanic hikes, the pint-sized capital Mandraki is a delight to visit.

In fact, one could argue it’s one of the most picturesque towns in all of Greece’s islands. Lined with multi-colored homes, Byzantine churches, and sun-drenched waterfront tavernas, this is the type of laid-back Mediterranean paradise we’ve all dreamt of visiting.

Nat Geo also hypes up the tiny village of village of Emporios, but it packs a punch with ruins of castles, a natural cave sauna, and arguably the best views of the volcano.

If you stay in Mandraki, guests have loved boutique hotel Romantzo, only $51 per night this spring and offers spacious sea-view balconies.

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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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)

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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As Portland has become a trendy hotspot in recent years, the rest of Maine is essentially the last frontier of the East Coast.

Maine tourists don’t typically venture beyond Portland, with the exception of Acadia, one of America’s prettiest National Parks.

But there’s so much more to explore away from the charismatic brick roads winding through the Old Port, ample blue-water beaches, and endless lobster vendors of Portland.

Maine’s small towns are truly delightful, and one of the best is often overlooked, even though many roadtrippers pass through on the way to Portland.

Just across the New Hampshire-Maine border lies the state’s oldest city, dating back to the 1600s, over a century before America was, well, America and the Gulf of Mexico was still…

Ahh, never mind.

Not only is this hidden gem still exuding the charm of a bygone era, standing the test of time, but it beholds numerous secret islands and a treasure trove of maritime history and coastal charm waiting to be (re)discovered.

Welcome To Kittery, Maine: The East Coast’s Best Kept Secret

Ever heard of Kittery? Unless you’re from the region, likely, you haven’t. With Portland hogging Maine’s travel scene, it’s completely understandable.

But Kittery has existed for hundreds of years, and gatekeepers have done a phenomenal job of remaining tight-lipped about one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets.

Being a town of only 10,000 residents, there’s no commercial airport here, but there is in neighboring Portsmouth, New Hampshire, another charming coastal town in its own right with connecting flights from budget airlines, Breeze and Allegiant, from popular hubs such as Orlando (MCO).

Otherwise, Boston International Airport (BOS) is only an hour away and has a lot more options.

Kittery has a fascinating timeline spanning centuries from formerly being named Amiciskeag by Native Americans years before tribes engaged in armed conflicts with French and English settlers for rights to the land, and we all know how that ultimately turned out…

Furthermore, what may seem like a tall tale is actually true. Pirates (yes, real-life pirates!) like infamous Blackbeard, once traversed Kittery’s isles, so you may want to bring a metal detector along as there have long been rumors of lost treasure left behind.

As Kittery stands today, you can’t help but notice the aesthetics of seafarer charm and the palpable sense of history throughout town, with sites like Fort McClary, a military fort used as far back as the Revolutionary War.

But even with all the historical significance, don’t expect Kittery to be a boring glimpse into the past.

Downtown (a.k.a. Kittery Foreside) has been transformed with quirky artisan shops, upscale cafes serving craft coffee concoctions, and a surging food scene leaving one travel guide to essentially describe Kittery as a mini Brooklyn.

Kittery’s Secret Islands: Barbecue, Beaches, And Waterfront Stays

Some islands of Kittery’s scenic shorelines are off-limits for tourism hence the secret. The good news is there’s plenty of islands nobody ever seems to talk about that make for awesome spring and summer getaways.

Let’s start with Gerrish Island. Visit Fort Foster Park for only $25, another historical site, but this one boasts small tranquil beaches and sweeping coastal scenery, including quintessential lighthouses.

Your best bet for the full Gerrish Island experience is to book a vacation rental on Vrbo or Airbnb since public access is closed (except for Fort Foster).

Next up is the Isle of Shoals, a series of islands spanning across state lines but featuring fun-to-say Smuttynose Island and Appledore Island on the Maine side of the dividing line.

To get here, though, you’ll need to cross over to Portsmouth and hob aboard a boat from Isle of Shoals Steamboat Company.

Unfortunately, they leave us hanging with the dreaded “coming soon” message on their calendar, but as the weather gets warmer, it’s all but certain they’ll restart service sooner rather than later.

Here is where I said you might want to bring a metal detector ,as these are pirates’ old stomping grounds,

Circling back toward town, there’s a pair of islands worth visiting: Badger Island (Maine) and New Castle (New Hampshire).

Badger is connected by bridge, so you can drive here, and boasts great eats like local favorite Ore Nell’s Barbecue served ‘Central Texas style’, while New Castle offers a great selection of waterfront hotels like Wentworth by the Sea with rave reviews claiming it’s a ‘charming historic hotel with a water view’ and has ‘lovely clean rooms antique style’.

Cheaper Than Portland

Maybe I’m in an exclusive club, but when I visited Portland, I was sticker-shocked by hotel prices. In fact, it’s the only city I’ve chosen to stay in a Motel 6 to save money.

Worst of all, they didn’t leave the light on for me! What a sham!

Portland has become so trendy, there’s no way I’m the only one noticing the city’s high prices whether it be top-rated lobster rolls or hotel rooms.

Travelers don’t have to worry about that in Kittery. In fact, one of its claims to fame, besides being Maine’s oldest city, is its shopping.

East Coast residents from all over make day trips to shop ’til they drop at the Kittery Outlets. Affordable prices don’t stop there, though.

Stay at the revamped Kittery Inn & Suites for just $64 this spring or The Water Street Inn, holding a perfect 5.0 Google rating, for $128.

Last but not least, it’s a must to have lobster, right? Dave’s Maine Cafe has lobster rolls for just $18!

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.