These Are 4 Of The Safest Destinations To Visit In Latin America Right Now

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Though undoubtedly popular, Latin America can be tricky to navigate as a tourist:

Yes, locals are welcoming and incredibly hospitable (in their vast majority).

Culturally, it’s nothing short of fascinating, and the strength of the dollar will really get you far.

However, on the downside, you may be subject to safety concerns you wouldn’t typically experience back home.

Aerial View Of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Latin America

It’s not the case for all of them, but in some Latin American countries, this may include violent crime, endemic corruption, even in law enforcement, and widespread gang activity, particularly in large urban centers.

There are of course exceptions: according to the U.S. State Department, there are at least 4 LatAm cities that are less risky, making them ideal for first-time visitors.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Casa Rosada In Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America

Starting with one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America, Buenos Aires is widely known for its vibrant art scene, stately Belle époque architecture, evocative of Europe’s greatest manmade wonders, lush city parks, and vibrant nightlife.

The best part is, whether it’s strolling the colorful La Boca, chilling by the Japanese Garden, or going out for dinner at Puerto Madero, a lively dockside lined by redbrick buildings and upscale steakhouses, your chances of getting harassed, pickpocketed or robbed are surprisingly low.

While we would still advise you to not leave your hotel with valuable items that can get easily snatched in crowded spaces, or avoid deserted, poorly-lit areas at night, Buenos Aires is not the kind of the city you walk around constantly on edge.

In fact, when it comes to exploring, this North or South Buenos Aires guided bike tour is a great way to tick off the city’s main highlights while hearing unique city tales from a local.

As Washington officials themselves have ruled, U.S. citizens should simply exercise normal precaution during their time in Buenos Aires: it is one of a handful of destinations in the Global South to rank at Level 1––the same as Iceland, Finland, Switzerland and the like.

Merida, Mexico

Colonial Building In Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, Latin America

A short two to three-hour flight from many U.S. hubs, Merida is the largest city and cultural heart of the Mexican state of Yucatan: it’s one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the country, and it’s developed a reputation over the years for also being the safest:

From a certificate issued by the Karolinska Institute of Sweden, proving its status as a ‘safe community’, to the U.S. State Department’s Level 1 classification, a list that includes countries like Iceland, Finland and the like, Merida has had consistently-high safety levels.

Violent crime and robberies occur at far lower rates in comparison to other mid-size cities in Mexico, and despite usual safety advice applying––as the official U.S. advice reads, take normal precautions––Americans are under no significantly-high risk in Merida.

Lucky for them, as it is host to a number of Mexico’s most culturally-significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of Merida, one of the oldest on this side of the pond, the well-preserved historic center, with its ornate facades, and Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion.

For the budget travelers out there, you’ll be thrilled to learn Casa Montejo is free to visit, and it’s not something you want to miss: it’s been standing at its spot since the founding on Merida.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is both a bustling city and historically-charged seaport, with the kind of lively social scene you’d expect from a well-frequented Caribbean resort zone and the vibrant culture you’d often associate with Latin America’s oldest, most traditional capitals.

El-Morro-Coast-at-Sunset-In-Old-San-Juan-Puerto-Rico

The Spaniards originally settled it in the 16th century, and to this day, much of Old San Juan retains that colonial charm.

Its cobbled streets are lined by boutique shops and street food stalls, and even a monumental El Morro fortress could easily belong in Europe.

Elsewhere in the Isla Verde strip, the otherwise quaint cityscape gives way to casual beach bars, nightclubs, and luxurious casino hotels, so there’s something in San Juan for every type of traveler, whether it’s sun and fun or a cultural immersion you seek.

In addition, San Juan is considered to be generally safe.

Colorful houses in San Juan Puerto Rico

As a U.S.-administered territory, Puerto Rico enjoys higher standards of living compared to independent Latin countries and lower crime rates; in other words, violence is not the daily reality facing most Puerto Ricans.

While you can definitely set out to discover San Juan’s winding streets on your own, we would recommend booking a walking tour––particularly one that includes food sampling––to optimize your visit and ensure you don’t fall for tourist traps.

This Old Town Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings costs $157, and it’s one of the top-rated activities in the city.

Santiago de Chile, Chile

The capital of Latin America’s longest, most unusually narrow state, Santiago de Chile, is a fast-developing metropolitan zone resting in the bottom of a valley surrounded by the towering, snow-capped Andes mountains.

Santiago de Chile Cityscape, The Capital City Of Chile, South America

Though it does have a beautiful colonial center and is host to a number of Spanish-built landmarks, like the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, it’s a city most easily recognized for its thriving business districts, innovative skyscrapers, and disruptive modernism.

Walking around Downtown Santiago, with its cooler weather and gigantic, glass-and-steel high-rises looming over busy thoroughfares, one might be led to believe they’re in Chicago or Toronto instead––except it’s Spanish that’s widely spoken in the streets.

Regarding safety, while we wouldn’t advise you to leave your phone on a tabletop as you dine on an outdoor patio or wear valuables that may attract pickpockets, violent crime is less of an issue in Santiago compared to other Latin American metropolises like São Paulo or Medellin.

For an even safer experience, we would recommend you stay close to Downtown, where there’s a plethora of foreigner-friendly hotels to pick from and wide plazas that are well-surveilled: this fall, Mercure Santiago Centro is an affordable accommodation option costing $76 per night.

As the State Department reiterates, simply exercise increased caution when visiting, as you would in any big city.

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United Nations Is Encouraging Travelers To Visit These 3 Undiscovered Towns In Mexico

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The United Nations (UN) wears many hats, oftentimes on the darker side of the spectrum in places not deemed fit for tourists.

Take Haiti, for example. If you’ve been able to decipher real news through the election cycle’s talking heads, then surely you’re aware of Haiti’s continuous tragic downfall.

Founded in 1945, the UN’s purpose has been to promote peace, security, and basic human rights worldwide and step in as needed when nations fail to do so.

That’s why you’ll see the UN present for humanitarian crises, such as Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen – none of which ever sniff top tourism numbers.

Palizada, Mexico on nice day

But the UN also promotes tourism within their World Tourism Organization branch, especially unheard-of destinations in need of a boost.

In their own words, the hope is to encourage travelers to visit as a ‘driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability’.

Dozens of unknown places made the cut for their ‘Best Tourism Villages 2024‘ list.

To simplify said list, we’ll highlight Mexico’s 3 undiscovered towns because you’re not really going to visit Roches Noires, Mauritius or Azheke, China, are you?

Capulálpam de Méndez: Oaxaca’s Untouched Mountain Village

As one of Mexico’s hotspots for all types of travelers, Oaxaca’s gorgeous coastlines and immensely cultural namesake city have been well explored.

But venturing northeast through the Sierra Juarez is a quiet mountain town you’ve likely never heard of and may need to tap into your Rosetta Stone skills.

Capulálpam de Méndez may be a mouthful to say, but the UN believes it’s well worth a visit – and yes, ‘mouthful’ is a double entendre as there may be no better authentic food region in Mexico.

While the highly anticipated train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca is destined to showcase the region’s hidden gems, Capulálpam de Méndez is an extra layer of “hidden” as most travelers overlook the Sierra Juarez’s villages.

Set 7,710 feet high, this delightful town is oozing timeless charm. So much so, it can quite literally take your breath away.

In fact, the town’s real claim to fame was being designated as a pueblo magico in 2007, but it’s ready to embrace its newfound fame as Oaxaca has soared to new heights.

Start your day with a coffee and epic views at El Verbo de Méndez Café, wander timeless streets and witness the crown jewel, Parroquia de San Mateo, and rest your head at Hotel Chorromonte, housed in a traditional colonial building.

Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza: In The Heart Of Mexico’s Final Frontier

There are few states in Mexico where you may not recognize a city, but that’s the case for the state of Coahuila.

In fact, the claim to fame may be in Texas’ Big Bend National Park as a bi-national natural wonder stretching across the border.

Other than that, it’s quite likely you haven’t heard of a single place here. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, as there’s a bit of a loophole to visiting this small desert oasis.

Dubbed as the ‘Galapagos Of Mexico’, and also designated as a pueblo magico, if you’re into stunning nature and colonial charm, this off-path region is right up your alley.

Home to enormous craters, glassy rivers, vivid blue pools, along with postcard-worthy cobbled streets on the “urban” side, your sense of wanderlust will be redlining.

As off-the-beaten path as it may be, it’s not a treacherous journey. Two border towns, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras, offer bus routes, but if it were me, I’d fly into Torreon (nonstop flights from Dallas and San Antonio) and take a 3-hour bus from there for a safer option.

Palizada: Campeche’s Riverfront Treasure

Surprise, surprise – another pueblo magico. Experiencing old Mexico never gets, well, old.

Mexico’s ‘magic towns’ are teeming with rich history still permeating on every street.

Palizada is no different, but may be the most eye-catching of the bunch. Located in the state of Campeche, which has slowly begun creeping onto travelers’ radars, is gleaming with vibrancy and historic charm.

Wandering the streets is the best way to get a feel for the way of life here where you can visit local artisan shops, eat delicious local cuisine like Atapakua and Churipos, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rio Palizada.

The easiest way to get here is to fly into Villahermosa or Campeche, one of Mexico’s safest cities, and take a bus.

As far as modern conveniences go, Palizada may be the most convenient of the bunch with well-preserved buildings, more accommodation options, and plentiful captivating excursions like river cruises and Mayan ruins tours, which you can read more about here on the town’s official tourism page.

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Sun, Sand, and Safety! These Are The Safest 18 Caribbean Islands To Visit Right Now 

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Sun, sea, and stunning white sand. Tropical rum cocktails. Plus, guaranteed great weather.

Fall is the perfect time to book that well-deserved vacation to the Caribbean. 

However, some Caribbean islands are safer than others.  

The U.S. Government issue travel advisory ratings for each country in the world which range from Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions to Level 4: Do Not Travel.  

Beautiful beach in St Lucia

This is advice rather than hard and fast instruction, as many U.S. travelers continue to explore level 3 and 4 destinations.

The huge number of Americans who continue to go to Jamaica (with its Level 3: Reconsider Travel rating) is a great example of this.  

However, 18 Caribbean islands have been awarded a Level 1 travel advisory rating. Meaning these are the safest Caribbean islands to visit right now:   

What Is A Level 1 Travel Advisory Rating?  

If you visit a destination with a Level 1 Travel Advisory rating, you’re as safe as you can be if you use U.S. government advice as your benchmark for safety.  

 Baby Beach At San Nicolas In Oranjestad Aruba

Even if this isn’t your benchmark, it’s worth being aware of the Travel Advisory rating for each destination you visit, because this can have an impact on the validity of your travel insurance.

According to the U.S. State Department website “Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.” 

Travel advisory ratings are regularly reviewed by the U.S. Department of State, meaning that the information they contain is up to date.  

Plane flying over Maho Beach before landing on Princess Juliana International Airport SXM on Sint Maarten

On August 19, 2024, the ratings for 6 different Caribbean islands were reviewed and then rereleased without change.  

Those islands were Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba.

 

The 18 Safest Islands In The Caribbean 

So where should you consider travelling for your next visit to a stunning Caribbean island paradise?  

Well if safety is one of your primary concerns, then you should choose one of the following 18 islands:  

Anguilla – This is a small island with a population of less than 20,000 and 33 beautiful beaches to choose from. It’s a popular spot for snorkelers and divers thanks to its barrier reef, and 7 unique marine parks.  

Antigua and Barbuda– These islands boast a mix of pretty pink and white sand beaches and are best known for their warm and welcoming people. Sailing is a popular activity here, as is eating as much fresh seafood as possible!  

Aruba – White sand beaches, the colorful buildings in the capital of Oranjestad, and spectacular geographical formations. Aruba also boasts year-round sunshine and a great climate. We’ve had staff stay at both the Marriott and the Embassy Suites properties and loved it! Don’t forget to visit the north side of the island too; it is like visiting another planet! (De Palm Tours has an awesome UTV experience that starts at $189)

Aruba Beach with pink flamingos at the beach

Barbados – Barbados is a popular island with an active nightlife and fascinating pirate history. It’s also the birthplace of rum! Travelers choose Barbados for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, which are ideal for surfing.  

Bermuda – The beautiful beaches are the main attraction in Bermuda with the most famous and popular being the curved Horseshoe Bay Beach. Many tourists choose Bermuda for the off shore diving opportunities.  

Bonaire – Bonaire boasts the same stunning beaches and turquoise waters as many other Caribbean islands but it is also known for its cultural events. You’ll find the world’s oldest marine park here. Offshore diving is so good here that if you can dive to 30ft with a snorkel, you don’t really need much equipment to see some incredible marine life. For something really unique, try landsailing! Bonaire Landsailing Adventures offers the experience from $60 and up.

Washington Slagbaai National Park -Views around the Caribbean Island of Bonaire

British Virgin Islands – If you love to be in water then this is the perfect vacation spot. Fishing, sailing, and swimming are the most popular pastimes on the British Virgin Islands. This is a volcanic island chain with wildlife rich rainforests.  

Cayman Islands – Over 2 million tourists visit the Cayman Islands every year and is a high-end but laid-back island chain loaded with resorts. Outdoor adventures and outstanding natural beauty await.  

Curacao  – Curacao is home to world-class diving spots, and is sheltered which means it enjoys great weather, gentle trade winds, and is sheltered from the Atlantic’s hurricane season. The capital of Willemstad is the only World Heritage Site in the Caribbean.  

Downtown of Willemstad, Curacao, ABC, Netherlands

Dominica – This is the Caribbean’s most mountainous island meaning it boasts excellent hiking trails and outstanding natural beauty. One of its main attractions is the natural hot springs, many of which are suitable for bathing in.  

French West Indies – Located in the French-speaking Caribbean (as the name suggests) this is a great place to explore both French and Caribbean culture, with both influencing the music, cuisine, architecture, and style on the island.  

Grenada  – Beaches, waterfalls, and marine life are the main attractions on Grenada. Off the west coast of Grenada, divers can visit a collection of 75 underwater sculptures by artist Jason de Caires Taylor. From staff experiences, we can recommend Dive Grenada as the top pick for scuba and snorkel outings.

Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park

Saint Kitts And Nevis – These are rich volcanic islands with 18 miles of lush rainforest and a majestic mountain range. Ideal for all kinds of outdoor adventurers!  

Saint Lucia  – Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia boasts incredible rainforests surrounded by turquoise waters. The beaches here are stunning, but it’s the vibrant nightlife scene that steals the show and has return visitors coming back for more.  

Saint Vincent and The Grenadines – Like many other islands in the region, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines boasts outstanding natural beauty. It is home to unique black sand beaches and climbing or hiking are popular activities here. Visit for the luxury all-inclusive resorts and the rich pirate and sailing history.  

Sandals Saint Vincent And The Grenadines Resort

Saba – Saba Island is the smallest island in the Caribbean. It’s just a tiny speck of a former volcano, but it’s an idyllic paradise of a speck that is rarely visited by tourists, so it has a wonderful old-school vibe.  

Sint Eustatius – This is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island famous for its excellent diving and hiking. Not hugely popular with tourists, this island has an authentic feel and its locals are friendly and welcoming. If you’re interested in history, more than 300 archeological sites have been documented on the island.  

Sint Maarten – Another Dutch Caribbean island, Sint Maarten is very different to Sint Eustatius. It’s much bigger and boasts world-class shopping and an amazing modern arts and culture scene. It has also been named the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

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These Are The 5 Most Affordable U.S. Cities To Visit This Fall According To Airbnb 

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Fall is one of the very best seasons to travel if you’re not keen to part with your cash!  

According to new research from Airbnb, fall is the most affordable season to travel, and the price per night across its network is at its lowest in fall compared to the rest of the year.  

As an added bonus, fall vacations also benefit from lower crowd levels, ideal weather for sightseeing, and fewer kids around, too, as they’re all back to school!  

Myrtle Beach boardwalk, South Carolina

So where should you go if you’re looking for a budget break?  

These are the 5 most affordable U.S. cities to visit this fall according to Airbnb:

Somers Point, NJ 

Somers Point is a fascinating destination located on Great Egg Harbor Bay and close to the ocean.  

This is a wonderful spot by the Jersey Shore where you can enjoy all kinds of seaside activities, such as paddling, fishing and crabbing.  

But it’s so much more than just a traditional seaside town. It is also a destination that is proud of its rich history and keen to share this with visitors.  

Marina and houses in Somers Point, New Jersey

Somers Point is the oldest settlement in Atlantic County, having been settled by Europeans in 1693.

You can visit the Atlantic County Historical Society to find out more about this fascinating heritage.  

And if all that history leaves you feeling thirsty then visit the Somers Point Brewing Company.

This is a renowned local independent craft brewery offering both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a brew whatever the weather!  

Myrtle Beach, SC  

Boasting a 60-mile stretch of clean, sandy beach, Myrtle Beach is best known as a coastal resort. 

But there’s so much more to attract travelers to Myrtle Beach and many attractions that are particularly enjoyable during the cooler days of fall.  

Take a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, one of the tallest observation wheels in America.

This offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the town.

A regular ticket with four revolutions of the wheel costs $19.99 per person.  

Myrtle Beach at sunset

One of the attractions I think sounds most interesting are the Brookgreen Gardens.

This is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and if you visit on the weekend of October 5/6 then you can take part in the Harvest Home Weekend.  

Get lost in the hay maze, pick and decorate pumpkins, and embrace all things fall.  

Finally, if you’re a golf fan, then you’ll be interested to know that Myrtle Beach boasts a whopping 86 different golf courses.

So you’ll never be short of something to do!  

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk is a waterfront city in Virginia named after my home county of Norfolk in the UK!

It is a city with a rich history and so much to see and do.  

Visit the Chrysler Museum of Art which is famous for its glass art, but also has a huge collection of paintings and sculptures from both European and American artists.  

Explore the Nauticus Maritime Museum, which is home to Battleship Wisconsin, a huge and well-preserved example of a World War 2 Battleship. Adult entry tickets are priced at $17.95.  

If you’re traveling with kids, then they’ll enjoy exploring the Virginia Zoo, which sits along the river and is packed full of native and international animals.  

Norfolk, Virginia

Finally, perhaps the most popular reason to visit Norfolk in the fall is for the fall foliage season.

Leaf peepers should aim to be in the city between October 10 and October 31, because this is when the spectacular fall colors will be at their peak.  

Panama City, FL

Fall is one of the best times of year to be in Florida.

The weather is perfect, and the crowd levels are low: the time is right, and the kids will be at school, but the snowbirds won’t have started descending on the region yet!  

Panama City is located in Northwest Florida (away from the Orlando mayhem), and it’s best known for its incredible fishing and fine dining in its beautiful waterfront restaurants.  

panama city beach florida

If you enjoy watersports, Panama City is the place to be. You can enjoy watersports here no matter the season.  

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and kiteboarding are all popular here, and you can enjoy these activities year-round.

I love to paddleboard and fall is one of my favorite seasons to get my board on the water.  

Visit the Plaia Shop to hire all the equipment you need to get on the water.

Paddleboard rental starts from $50 a day, and surfboard rental starts from $35 per day, so it won’t have to break the bank to get out there and enjoy the sea.  

West Des Moines, IA  

Finally, the 5th most affordable destination this fall is West Des Moines.

The main attractions for tourists to explore here are the historic buildings and beautiful hiking trails, and fall is arguably the best season for hiking.  

The State Capitol Building at Des Moines Iowa IA capital.

Des Moines is known as the Midwestern hub, and people travel from across the state to visit the city for shopping, entertainment, and cultural enrichment.

Take time to walk over the glass-bottomed pedestrianized bridge that connects the city to the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens.

It’s an exhilarating experience!

Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, while the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoorsy types.

It looks particularly beautiful as its colors change for fall.  

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Save Big Soon! These Are 3 Most Affordable Months To Visit Cancun

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Is there any destination more sought after by Americans right now than Cancun?

Of course not! It’s the most popular international vacation spot in the world for us…and by a large mark.

Lined with seemingly endless high-end beach resorts along crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why Cancun has reached unfathomable heights.

Dolphin Beach, Cancun on beautiful day

Even though it’s extremely popular, don’t hold it against Cancun that airfare can be sky-high. It’s not their fault; airlines know what they’re doing.

Cancun is just too good to pass up!

That being said, a new report from insiders at the Cancun Sun revealed the best times to plan out your next trip and good news is there’s no need to rush to plan out your sargassum-free Cancun vacation.

Cancun Is The Perfect Spot For A Late Summer Getaway

One of the easiest destinations to reach across our borders, Cancun has a plethora of flight options from just about any U.S. airline, plus a handful of Mexican carriers.

View of Cancun from Southwest flight

Airfare can be pretty pricey in the midst of summer, but not so much toward the end. If you can hold off visiting in July, then August will be one of your best bets for the ultimate savings in paradise.

According to Google Flights, major airports, such as DFW, ORD, and FLL have nonstop flights to Cancun mid-August for less than $250 round-trip.

It’s not just airfare, however. You can score big on resorts too, which is probably what you’re hoping for since Cancun is perhaps the top all-inclusive beach resort destination in the world.

Here is a sample size:

Weekend rates at the ritzy Wyndham Alltra Cancun all-inclusive resort are as low as $284 per night this August.

Coastal view of resorts in Cancun

This same resort costs almost double crossing the $400 threshold in January, a time when many Americans are desperate for a sunny vacation.

Squeeze In A Post-Labor Day Vacation

While rates tend to soar around the holidays, if you push back your celebration you can find great deals in Cancun.

But be aware – the weather can be moody this time of year. You may not get as many sunny photo-ops as you envision, but is there ever really a bad time to vacation in Cancun?

Unmarked plane flying over Cancun

September can be viewed as the end of summer or the beginning of fall, toeing the line between the 2 seasons.

However you slice it, it’s one of the best times of year for vacation savings. For example the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa Cancun can be booked for $93 in September compared to double the rate in December and January.

Likewise for all-inclusive stays, such as Oleo Cancun Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort as low as $81 in September, but shooting to the high $200’s in January.

It’s Never Too Early To Plan A Trip

View of Cancun from above

It seemed like summer would never get here, but here we are. Travelers are flocking far and wide with Cancun high on many travelers’ wishlists.

While many of us are still putting the finishing touches on summer trips, it’s never too early to plan ahead.

October is a great time to visit Cancun for less crowds – quite the opposite of Spring Break.

The most expensive months to visit are December through March, so why not jump the gun and get in while you can?

Rates drop significantly during the month of October across the board, from boutique hotels to lavish 5-star resorts.

Main beach at Hotel Zone of Cancun

While opting for all-inclusive may seem pricier at the time, think of it this way – the only extras you’ll be spending are souvenirs since food, drinks, and oftentimes transportation is covered.

One of the best deals to book in October is a stay at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive for as low as $145 per night.

If you were to stay here later on during the bitterly cold winter for many Americans, rates spike to as much as $493 in January.

How’s that for savings?!

Colorful Cancun sign

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Why You Should Visit This Underrated City On Your Next Trip To Mexico

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If you’re looking for a vibrant and culturally rich destination, Guadalajara, Mexico should be at the top of your list. 

The Guadalajara Cathedral across a plaza with a fountain in the foreground

Located in the heart of the country, Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and offers visitors a unique blend of history, art, and modern attractions. 

As the birthplace of both mariachi and tequila, the city is overflowing with rich history and cultural significance.  

It was recently named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places of 2023, alongside the better-known Mexico City, and it’s easy to see why. 

Here are some reasons why you should plan a visit to this underrated city:

@atasteofkoko 15 top things to do in Guadalajara (part one) – the weather in Guadalajara is PERFECT if you’re looking for a warm getaway right now! 〰 stay at Casa Habita (cute boutique hotel) 〰 explore Colonia Americana neighborhood 〰 dinner at Hueso (super cool all-white restaurant) 〰 late night churros at Churro La Bombilla 〰️ shopping at Mercado IV Centenario 〰️ tortilla factory at Tortillería Arandas 〰️ authentic tejuino at Tejuino Marcelino #ad #VisitGuadalajara #guadalajaramexico #shesnotlost #guadalajarajalisco #mexico #mexicotravel #gltlove ♬ Instrumental México – Teaga

1. Culture

Guadalajara is often considered the cultural center of Mexico due to its rich history and artistic heritage. 

The city is home to several world-class museums, including the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in Mexican art, music, and dance at the many festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the Guadalajara International Film Festival. 

Being the home of tequila and mariachi, there are, of course, festivals dedicated to those as well. The Tequila Festival and the International Mariachi and Charrería Festival take place in March and September, respectively. 

While tequila and mariachi need no introduction, charrería, Mexico’s national sport, is most commonly compared to a rodeo and something not to miss on a trip to Guadalajara.

Traditional dancers at a festival in Guadalajara, Mexico

2. Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and each state has its own unique dishes. 

Guadalajara is famous for its birria — a spicy meat stew (usually goat) that is typically served with tortillas and lime wedges. 

Another local specialty is the torta ahogada, or “drowned sandwich.”  This is exactly what it sounds like – a fried pork sandwich smothered in a spicy tomato sauce and served with avocado, onions, and radish. 

Some other dishes to look out for are pozole and chilaquiles.  Visitors can sample these dishes and more at the city’s many street vendors, markets, and restaurants.     

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A plate with a torta ahogada or drowned sandwhich, a specialty cuisine of Guadalajara, Mexico

3. History

Guadalajara is home to some of Mexico’s most stunning architecture, with buildings that date back to the 16th century. 

The historic center of Guadalajara, or Centro Historico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features beautiful colonial-era buildings, such as the Government Palace and the Guadalajara Cathedral. 

The cathedral is almost as old as the city itself and includes Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical influences. 

Visitors can also explore the neighborhood of Tlaquepaque, known for its colorful buildings and traditional crafts, or venture an hour outside of the city to view the ancient Guachimontones Pyramids. 

An aerial view of the Guadalajara Cathedral with the city in the distance

4. Entertainment

Guadalajara has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. 

Visit the Tlaquepaque neighborhood for mariachi or head to the popular Chapultepec neighborhood for more trendy hotspots. 

The city is also home to the most LGBTQ bars and nightclubs in Mexico and is known for hosting Latin America’s largest gay pride parade. 

If nightclubs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other attractions, as Guadalajara has a thriving shopping and sports scene. 

For shopping, you’ll find everything from local artisan markets to large urban malls. 

Sports lovers should check out a charreada (rodeo) or head to the Arena Coliseo for an incredibly entertaining lucha libre performance (wrestling).

A view of the Guadalajara Cathedral across a plaza with a gazebo and people in the foreground

5. Day Trips

Guadalajara’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions

One of the most popular day trips from Guadalajara is to the town of Tequila to visit the sprawling agave fields and learn about tequila production. 

These blue agave fields, which are yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the source of all the tequila in the world. 

Travelers can visit the National Museum of Tequila, tour distilleries, and visit the original tequila factory, the Hacienda Herradura San Jose Refugio. 

There is even a train, aptly named the Jose Cuervo Express, to take you from Guadalajara to Tequila. 

Man on a horse riding through agave fields in Tequila, Mexico

Another nearby option for either a day trip or a relaxing weekend is Lake Chapala. 

An hour’s drive takes visitors to this freshwater lake where they can bird-watch, enjoy the calm surroundings, or hire a boat to go island-hopping. 

The area is so tranquil that it has brought in quite a few retirees and expats over the years and is currently home to many Americans and Canadians.

People walking through the colorful streets of Tlaquepaque, Mexico with papel picado overhead

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New Study Reveals The Safest (And Most Dangerous) Cities To Visit In The U.S.

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I know most of us would rather focus on history, attractions, or overall allure when choosing our next destination, but the truth of the matter is we just don’t have the luxury to do that.

As safety and public health have become increasingly uncertain, it’s time we start to prioritize the places on our bucket list that make us feel relaxed and at ease.

But how do you figure out which ones these are?

View of Burlington, Vermont

WalletHub just conducted a study on the safest and most dangerous cities to visit in the U.S., an analysis based on key indicators like assaults per capita, traffic fatalities, and even unemployment rates.

In the end, these 5 often-overlooked cities were crowned the safest in the nation (and luckily for us, they’re all pretty interesting to visit, too!).

5. Boise, Idaho

You might be surprised to hear that the Idaho capital just recently broke its all-time tourism record since it’s not really the first place to make it to every traveler’s bucket list, but as people look for quieter, safer, and more authentic hubs, Boise becomes such an obvious choice.

Houses in Boise, Idaho

Not only is the violent crime rate here low, at ~2 incidents per 1000 residents, but that number has been consistently decreasing in the past four or five years.

Combine that with the fact that here (or at least a short drive away), you’ll find some shockingly stunning natural scenery highlighted by places like Shoshone Falls Park, Twin Falls, and the Perrine Memorial Bridge, and you get the perfect quiet retreat.

4. Burlington, Vermont

If you’re looking for a place with a bit more of a vibrant city scene that still fits into the “laid-back and safe” category, look no further than Vermont’s biggest city.

The lighthouse on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, USA

Burlington remains a bit of a hidden gem, but in my opinion, that makes it all the more interesting to visit, especially this time of year.

You can explore the charming downtown area and watch a sunset over Lake Champlain all while feeling like one of the locals.

3. Warwick, Rhode Island

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as Rhode Island is generally among the safest states in the country.

Warwick, as one of its quietest havens, is perfect for anyone traveling solo, with family, or who wants to escape the noise, chaos, and even danger of bigger cities.

Warwick, Rhode Island

What many don’t realize, though, is that this is actually a pretty incredible place to experience – between its gorgeous beaches, cultural landmarks, and adorable specialty shops, Warwick promises every traveler an experience they won’t forget.

2. Casper, Wyoming

I know that most people think of Casper as just a place you go to ski every once and again, but for those who don’t mind a more low-key getaway, it’s a fantastic place to experience year-round.

Aerial view of Casper, Wyoming

Sure, the nights here might be a bit quieter since the city is not exactly known for its thriving club scene or high-end restaurants, but you’ll get to spend your days taking in the most awe-inspiring views outdoors and exploring the quaint downtown shops and cafes – those traveling with family will have an extra amazing time.

1. South Burlington, Vermont

Vermont makes another appearance, this time with the big winner – South Burlington.

Famous for its pristine environment, excellent quality of life, and of course, stellar safety record, this small yet dreamy city is everything you wish for during those particularly stressful days.

Overlook Park in South Burlington, Vermont

You can spend your time here strolling through Red Rocks Park, relaxing with a good drink in one of the local bars, or, better yet, enjoying a full-on guided brewery tour.

Most Dangerous Cities To Visit In The U.S.

So, we now know which places promise us the greatest peace of mind while traveling, but are there any cities those of us who prioritize safety should avoid altogether?

While it’s hard to speak in absolute terms when it comes to topics like these, there were a couple of destinations that scored pretty poorly in the WalletHub survey, so if you were planning on visiting any of them it might be best to rethink your plans, or at the very least, take some extra safety measures:

Aerial view of a beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  1. Memphis, Tennessee
  2. Detroit, Michigan
  3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  4. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  5. New Orleans, Louisiana

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New York City’s Best Travel Hack: Visit Top Attractions For Less Than A Cup Of Coffee

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“New York City” and “affordable” don’t often belong in the same sentence. In a city that cracked down on Airbnbs, hotels have skyrocketed.

According to the New York Times, the average hotel room will run you over $300 per night – a new record. Although, a quick search shows some steals like the Eurostars Wall Street for 79% off in July.

Female tourist viewing NYC skyline

As iconic as the ‘Big Apple’ remains today, tourists far and wide still have NYC in their scope as a premiere getaway for urban adventures ranging from incredible cuisine, world-class museums, and renowned sites in every borough.

Summer is one of the best seasons to explore New York with so many fun things to do outdoors, but the top travel hack revealed by the U.S. Sun will save you boatloads of money.

For less than a cup of coffee, you can visit the city’s top attractions and it’s so much easier than you may think.

Stop Overpaying For Boat Tours

NYC ferry passing Statue of Liberty

Boat tours serve their purpose, but they’re not all they’re cracked up to be, especially some with outrageous prices.

Perhaps you can luck out by scoring a Groupon for a fun time on the water, but there’s no need to do so.

Much like my hometown of San Diego, where tourists overpay for boat tours to hit the scenic waterways of the San Diego Bay, many are disappointed to find out they could have a similar experience for less than $10 by booking the Coronado Ferry.

Saving potentially hundreds of dollars, it’s the same for NYC. Unless you want a repetitive tour guide who’s given dozens upon dozens of tourists the same spiel, then the NYC Ferry is for you as low as $4.

Staten Island Ferry passing Manhattan

From Coney Island To The Statue Of Liberty: The Options Are Endless

New York City is home to 5 boroughs, unless you count Jersey City as the unofficial sixth. Any way you slice it, some of the best ways to borough-hop is by boat.

If anything, it sure beats taking the rat-filled subways! Especially since there are power outlets on-board to keep your phone ready for photos, as well as snacks and refreshments – yes, including alcohol!

The city offers daily commuters cheap NYC Ferry rides, but it’s also tourists’ best travel hack here.

Rather than fork over your paycheck for an unnecessary tour of the Statue of Liberty, you can take in the same views and awesome phot-ops aboard the ferry.

View of NYC skyline from ferry

Not to mention unmatched views of the illustrious Manhattan skyline as well.

While booking a ticket is surely the most budget-friendly way to experience notoriously expensive New York City, the ferry is not solely the best alternative to Statue of Liberty tours.

Heck, perhaps the ferry’s real shining moment was when U.S. Airways’ Captain ‘Sully’ heroically landed a plane in the Hudson River, with multiple commuter ferries jumping into action.

While seeing planes in the Hudson isn’t typically on the itinerary, there are 7 routes to choose from.

You can easily visit other top attractions like Coney Island or even Rockaway Beach for a break from the hustle and bustle in the City That Never Sleeps.

Coney Island

Unfortunately, those visiting Coney Island won’t get to see champion Joey Chestnut scarf down wieners at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th any longer.

The NYC Ferry’s 7 Routes

These are the 7 routes the NYC Ferry offers:

  • Astoria – Western Queens and Roosevelt Island 
  • East River – East River to Midtown and the Financial District 
  • Soundview – The Bronx and the Upper East Side to Lower Manhattan
  • South Brooklyn – South Brooklyn to Midtown and the Financial District 
  • St. George – Staten Island to the West Side of Manhattan, in Battery Park and Midtown West 
  • Rockaway – Rockaway Beach, Sunset Park, and Lower Manhattan
  • Governors Island Shuttle – *Seasonal*
Rockaway Beach, NYC

It’s important to know riders can transfer at no charge from any of these routes, including the above Governor’s Island shuttle.

Better yet, travelers can also hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry – a free service offered year-round.

No matter where you go, from Wall Street to Brooklyn to Sunset Park, the NYC Ferry has grown in popularity.

It’s strongly advised to book tickets in advance, which you can do so on the official NYC Ferry App and vending machines.

Times Square NYC

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Is Cancun Safe To Visit This Winter? Here’s Why Americans Have Nothing To Worry About

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Heading to a sunny Cancun this winter, and as usual, you’re concerned with your personal safety after being bombarded with mainstream news stories on how crime in the Mexican Caribbean is rising?

While there is some truth to that, and we would definitely recommend you exercise greater caution visiting, Cancun remains one of the safest––if not the safest––beach destination in Mexico this season, especially if your primary reason for going is, well, basking in the tropical sun in a luxury resort.

Unless you’ve kept up to date with the latest developments on the security front lately, you may be wondering what exactly makes us so certain Americans have nothing to worry about visiting Cancun in the near future, so here’s why:

Panoramic View Of Cancun Hotel Zone, Mexico

Why Is Cancun Safe For Americans?

For starters, Cancun is and always has been, a low-risk destination for U.S. citizens.

It is classified as a Level 2 city by U.S. authorities, which means they do not discourage Americans from visiting, and instead, simply warn them on the necessary precautions that need taken when vacationing south of the border, which we’ll get to in a minute.

Aerial View Of A Beach In Cancun, Mexico

It is highly-surveilled, with CCTV and patrol units everywhere to be seen, particularly in the Hotel Zone, and even a Tourist Police––a battalion charged with the care of visitors––having been formed to ensure Americans, and every other guest, feels protected.

Back in 2022, we even reported extensively on how the U.S. issued an alert on kidnapping risks for the whole state of Quintana Roo––including Cancun––over a single individual who had been abducted, in unknown circumstances at the time.

Dolphin Beach Cancun on beautiful day

For comparison purposes, can you imagine if there was ever a safety warning that applied to all and mentioned a similar, very specific incident that occurred sporadically in a big U.S. city like Atlanta, New York, or San Francisco, as if it were recurrent?

In that year, there was a single kidnap in the state.

Cancun Is Less Dangerous Than You Might Think

All of this to say that, based on how travel alerts are issued, government bodies seem to play it conservative in how they assess safety risks in Mexico, and you may agree or disagree with that, but it’s evident that, in reality, the risk of kidnapping in Cancun is minimal.

Beachgoers In Cancun Hotel Zone, Mexico, Latin America

That’s just one newsworthy event: we can’t exactly tell you the last time we caught wind of shoot-outs where tourists got injured within Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

This should already be enough encouragement, but we’re glad to report the Caribbean hub is going even further:

As of this week, Ricardo Morales Santos, director of the Tourist Police, has confirmed they will be ramping up security in the Hotel Zone, with a total of 8 units, each with 7 to 8 officers, being deployed to the area to ensure crime levels stay low.

Gun violence affecting tourists may be uncommon… extortion and corruption, on the other hand, are more common.

Cancun Police Patroling Beach, Mexico

Cancun Is Low-Risk, Yes, But

We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had reports of readers claiming they were pickpocketed, or fined after breaking poorly-defined traffic rules, particularly when renting cars locally.

These are all seriously inconvenient, and Santos has stated the main objective of the latest deployment is to keep extortion under check, as well as curb drug trafficking, a major concern in Quintana Roo, and ‘high-impact crimes’.

Police Patrolling Cancun Beach, K9 Unit, Quintana Roo, Mexico

We can’t promise you corruption will decrease in response, but based on what we have seen for crime trends in Cancun, petty criminals may feel less emboldened to target tourists:

Down in Mexico, they call it the ‘cockroach effect‘, when criminals feel cornered by an increased presence of police, and jump to the next town where surveillance isn’t as strict yet.

Interestingly enough, locals in Cancun’s direct neighbor to the south, Playa Del Carmen, are concerned that, now that state authorities have made it very challenging, if not impossible, for lawbreakers to operate from Cancun’s Hotel Zone, they’ll be flocking there instead.

Police Vehicle In Cancun, Mexico

That’s a concern raised by the National Association of Regional Business Councils (Ancer), and it’s not exactly a good thing, by any means, but it only goes to show how actually effective Cancun has been in driving the zero-tolerance message home.

On top of the 8 new Hotel Zone units, Santos is adding 16 motorcycle units, to attend more efficiently to incidents taking place from kilometer zero to 20, in the event there are traffic jams along Kukulcan Boulevard.

The result is a much-safer Cancun, as Mara Lazama Espinosa, the Quintana Roo State Governor, has remarked herself.

The Bottomline

Aerial shot of Cancun resorts

In short, Americans truly have no major concerns traveling to the Caribbean destination, other than keeping an eye on personal belongings in public spaces, notably highly-crowded ones, avoiding marginal districts tourists have no business visiting anyway, and keeping valuables in a hotel safe.

Crime can occur, for sure, like in any popular tourism hotspot, but it’s often restricted to nonviolent mugging and pickpocketing on public beaches––within resorts that straddle their own private beach, it’s very rare––and shopping zones.

Either way, the Hotel Zone and adjacent streets and leisure centers are incredibly safe, with police being promptly available to help if needed, and English being widely spoken, in the very least at a basic level.

So… ready to unwind by the seaside yet?

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Summer Vibes Don’t Have To End! Visit This Texas Beach Town With 34 Miles Of White Sand And Affordable Resorts

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So much for the Mayan calendar, huh? Well, you may question if yours is right too.

As many of us feel forced to sip pumpkin concoctions, throw on a dusty flannel from the back of the closet, and hit the back roads for incredible vibrant scenery this time of year, some places simply didn’t get the memo that the seasons have changed.

South Padre Island waves at sunset

September 22nd may have marked 2024’s official start to fall, but summer vibes galore away from the endless amounts of autumn ‘leaf peepers’.

According to MySA, a local news publication in San Antonio, the marvelous beach town of South Padre Island is the place to be where summer has yet to end.

With perfect afternoon temps around hovering 80 degrees, the Gulf feels like bath water.

All the fall splendor can await back home; you’ll be mesmerized by your newfound island life of palm trees, white sand, and affordable beachfront resorts in this slice of Texas paradise.

34 Miles Of White Sand Beaches

South Padre Island sign surrounded by palm trees

There’s no shame in South Padre’s game; their tourism board proudly boasts their claim to fame front and center as a 34-mile-long barrier island with ‘white sand and clear emerald water’.

Now, even the colorblind can tell you Padre white is not Maldives white, so let’s temper expectations here.

And before carrying on, a little message for Crayola – Padre White is my original idea so I better not see my niece coloring with a new shade of crayon!

As a born-and-raised Texan, I can attest that anything, and I mean anything, is an upgrade from Galveston, another coastal town locals escape to for sun, sand, and definitely not white sand and emerald waters.

White sand of South Padre Island

To sum up Galveston for you – last time I was there I stepped on a soiled diaper. ‘Nuff said?

South Padre may share the Gulf with Galveston, but they are apples and oranges in comparison.

Padre is a tried and true paradisal beach town hugging Mexico in a part of Texas that far too often flies under the radar, especially for the deals you can score in the off-season!

You may want to avoid the crowds of Spring Breakers here, but fall is pure bliss and ultimate savings for a nice vacation.

Tip: Isla Blanca is rated #1 on TripAdvisor out of South Padre’s beaches

Book A Beach Resort Under $100 Per Night This Fall

You can’t get much closer to Mexico than South Padre Island.

Beachfront resorts of South Padre Island

Many vacationers overlook this Texas escape for a sexier Mexican vacation with the likes of Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta across the border.

In doing so, travelers typically fork over their whole paycheck to stay there. If only they had known about Padre…

Beach resorts here are very affordable right now. In fact, if you were to book a last-minute vacation for September, you would be shocked!

For example, the Margaritaville Beach Resort is only $88 on select dates beginning September 30th, and even as low as $75 mid-October.

Woman relaxing on a resort pool

Better yet, there are many others to choose from in case the Parrothead vibes are a little too much to handle.

Here are 3 more outstanding resort deals this fall: (in order of lowest rate found on Google Travel)

  • Sand Rose Beach Resort – $60
  • Holiday Inn Resort at South Padre Island – $84
  • Peninsula Island Resort & Spa – $93

What To Do And How To Get Here

Despite MySA rejecting my job application for a Reporter role, they did pick the right Texas beach to showcase as a tourist destination since it’s so well-suited for all ages and interests.

Food at Clayton's in South Padre Island

MySA mentions wildlife is plentiful where Laguna Madre Nature Trail and Sea Turtle Inc. are excellent options for tourists to see the region’s vast array of animals, the ladder being an up-close-and-personal

Beyond lounging in the sun with the tide at your feet, there are many fun water activities to consider.

For the more adventurous, parasailing and jet skiing are always top choices, while those looking to relax can choose from snorkeling on their own or the numerous fishing or dolphin-spotting excursions like top-rated Captain Murphy’s Deep Sea Fishing.

Remember, this is a popular Spring Break getaway for a reason, so there are still lively bars to choose from in fall too, like Clayton’s, the ‘Biggest Beach Bar in Texas‘ or more casual digs, such as Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill.

United airplane taking flight

I don’t know about you, but they had me at ‘Tequila’ and ‘Sunset’.

Reaching South Padre is easy peasy since they share an airport (BRO) with nearby Brownsville where United and American offer flights year-round.

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