Archives January 2025

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Last Updated 13 mins ago

Bye, bye Italy, France, hello Türkiye––or as the former name spelled out, Turkey:

A transcontinental country bestriding the natural border between Europe and Asia, it is seeing a remarkable increase in tourism, particularly coming from the United States, with 1.9 million Americans traveling across the Atlantic to marvel at its ancient sites and natural wonders.

That’s already a significant 45% increase year-on-year compared to 2023, and this year, those numbers are expected to skyrocket further, with a guaranteed 2 million Americans expected to land in Istanbul Airport throughout 2025.

If Türkiye’s all but an exotic name on a map to you, you may be wondering what it is about the Mediterranean country that appeals so strongly to U.S. tourists––without further ado, here are 5 reasons why:

From Ancient Wonders To Pristine Beaches

Türkiye’s rich culture is undoubtedly the main reason why tourists come from afar to vacation here: it has ancient ruins as well-preserved as Greece’s, incredibly historical cities that rival Italy’s in beauty, and its Anatolian nature is nothing short of a force to be reckoned with.

Think Cappadocia, with its cone-shaped formations, entire villages built into caves, and hot-air-balloon-dotted cotton candy skies, or the verdant mountains in Rize, in the north, full of alpine-style settlements; of course, there’s not Türkiye without its Mediterranean:

Extending for a whopping 3,220 miles, it is littered with vibrant port cities, archeological zones that predate civilization as we know it, and picture-perfect beaches with golden sands and turquoise seas (you haven’t been to heaven until you’ve been to an offbeat Kaş).

A Plethora Of Incredible Destinations

Türkiye also lays claim to several of Europe’s most popular resort destinations, one of them being Izmir, which combines beach getaway and cultural expeditions:

The landmark-packed center is famous for its plethora of monuments, most notably the Clock Tower and the Greek-built Smyrna Agora, while Pirlanta Beach has soft sands, calm, clear waters, and a selection of seafood eateries.

The country’s top seaside resort, however, is Antalya, on the South Mediterranean Coast, distinguished by its Roman ruins, charming Kaleiçi (Old Town), where narrow footpaths follow along rows of colorful Ottoman-era houses, and a palm-tree-lined Konyaaltı Beach.

As Türkiye Today notes, the number one destination is Istanbul, a bustling metropolis playing host to the iconic Galata Tower, the Byzantine cathedral-turned-mosque-turned-museum-turned-mosque-again Hagia Sophia, and the lively Grand Bazaar.

A Cheaper Sunny Getaway

It is no longer dirt cheap to visit Türkiye as it was prior to the pandemic––you can thank a volatile currency and the current Government’s unorthodox economic approach for that––but it is still a bargain in some places.

You can still eat for as cheap as $7-8 in Istanbul’s Karaköy, a cafe-dominated harbor-side district, and inexpensive accommodation at the Vardar Palace Hotel in centrally-located Beyoğlu will set you back by $ 63 a night.

In Bodrum, an up-and-coming beach hotspot that’s been compared to St Tropez, an overnight stay at a pool-equipped resort costs from $96 (check out the amazing Rammos), whereas beachfront hotels in Antalya are much-cheaper even, starting from $51 at La Cactus Butik Otel.

Türkiye is not exactly the cheapest flight ticket for Americans, but the low prices locally definitely offset any initial exorbitant costs.

Türkiye Is More Liberal Than You Might Think

We should point out that, contrary to popular belief, Türkiye is a lot more liberal than people might think.

Despite being an Islamic-majority country, there is no requirement for women to dress modestly, as in, with their heads, shoulders, and legs covered, unless they’re entering a public mosque or they’re visiting somewhere ultra-conservative like Konya.

You’ll come across people of all sorts traveling around Türkiye, from devout religious to the secular kind, and overall, social attitudes are very relaxed, especially in larger urban centers like Istanbul and Izmir, where there is a higher influx of tourists.

That being said, we wouldn’t encourage you to display affection in public if you have a same-sex partner, or if you’re a woman, avoid wearing revealing outfits in non-beach settings:

In other words, be respectful of local customs and Turks will be respectful towards you.

No Visa Requirements For American Travelers!

Last but certainly not least, the low-level bureaucracy that awaits Americans at the border is a big incentive for tourists to come here instead of Western Europe.

This year, the European Union will introduce an Entry Authorization System, and U.S. passport holders will no longer be able to board EU-bound flights without applying first for a digital entry permit––this is no longer the case in Türkiye.

Since December 2023, Americans no longer need an eVisa to travel to the Mediterranean gem, meaning carrying a valid passport with at least one blank page for stamping and at least 6 months left of validity upon arrival are the only requirements.

U.S. citizens can stay in Türkiye visa-free for 3 months, and the time they spend in the country has no impact whatsoever on the amount of time they’re allowed to stay in Europe’s Schengen Area, which is great news for digital nomads.

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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The New Year has finally arrived! While many of us convince ourselves we’ll activate a hard reset at the turn of midnight with a sudden passion for the StairMaster, travel goals are always the most feasible.

Backed by a recent report showcasing the world’s best destinations to kick off 2025 with your budget in mind, Asia stands out the most.

Truth is, winter is an incredible time to globetrot, and not just nearby Caribbean Islands and Mexico’s hotspots.

Asia may seem like a far-flung land of bucket-list wonders, and it is, but let’s not take for granted how connected our skies have become.

You can travel to a majority of Asia’s metropolises with just a single layover from the U.S. For example, Thailand has no direct flights (for now), but still remains Southeast Asia’s tourism titan.

Offering visitors cheap stays and rich cultural experiences, in no particular order, these 4 Asian metropolises make for perfect sunny city breaks rather than shivering in your skivvies back home:

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Captivating Urban Sprawl

How does 80 degrees in January sound?

Kuala Lumpur may not be a beach city, but it’s a sprawling metropolis brimming with wondrous sites, buzzing markets, and perhaps most notably, the Batu Caves, a vast cave system work the steep 272-step hike explore hidden Hindu temples and sweeping views of the city.

Malaysia’s capital is renowned for its safety, affordability, and phenomenal architecture, ranging from sky-scraping marvels to preserved structures of its former British colonization.

With an average price of $62/night, you’ll find cheap stays, no matter your preferred style of accommodations.

Luxury travelers will enjoy great rates at such places as 5-star Amari Kuala Lumpur for $71, and even the Ritz Carlton is only $160 on Priceline in February – unheard of!

If you do opt for opulence, check the amenities for rooftop pools like what Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Bangkok: Real Estate May Be Surging, But Hotels Are Still Affordable

Truth be told, I’ve been keeping an eye on Bangkok’s condo market as an Airbnb investment, and I think I missed my chance to score dirt-cheap condos.

The good news for travelers, however, is Bangkok still offers an array of fancy schmancy hotels to high-rise condo rentals for an incredible value.

With temperatures in the high 70s at this time of year, Bangkok is a splendid destination before the summer humidity takes over.

Between floating markets, night markets, rooftop bars, never-ending temples, and incomparable nightlife, travelers never have an issue finding their niche in Bangkok.

However, my personal favorite district is Chinatown (Yaowarat) for action-packed people-watching, sensational eats, and cheap shops to haggle.

The Border Telegraph reports Bangkok’s hotels average out to $65/night, so visitors can easily treat themselves to high-end stays, such as the 5-star Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium beating the average at $61.

Ho Chi Minh City: An Insanely Cheap Gateway To Vietnam’s Wonders

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a vast urban jungle of sensory overload from the aromas of street food vendors, the sounds of an endless sea of scooters, and eye-popping sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral and intriguing museums like War Remnants Museum (only $1.57 admission)

There will never be a dull moment exploring this city, but most travelers prefer to run the gamut since there are so many more enticing destinations, from Da Nang’s beaches to Hanoi’s cultural delights.

No matter the reason for your trip, Ho Chi Minh is incredibly cheap, with sunny 78-degree days.

Like Bangkok, hotels average $65/night, but you can score great deals below the average, such as 4-star Odys Boutique Hotel for $36 or level up to a 5-star stay at Windsor Plaza Hotel for only $57 in February.

Phnom Penh: Southeast Asia’s Up-And-Coming City

Perhaps the least known on this list, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s vast capital city but is typically overshadowed by tourist hotspot Siem Reap, a much smaller city beaming with history and impeccably preserved sites like world-renowned Angor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Phnom Penh is ready to take center stage, though, as the Los Angeles Times just ran a feature on Cambodia’s newfound fame as an up-and-coming destination.

Prices are jaw-dropping here. This city of traditional markets, grand palaces, and more-than-affordable luxury makes for a great base as you discover Cambodia’s lush nature, immaculate ruins, and temples.

The weather hovers around 78, and hotel rates average an even $50/night, but believe it or not, you can score luxury hotels like Snowbell Hotel for just $37 on Agoda.

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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Travelers are fickle. At one moment, we’re in search of winter sun, and the next we’re totally cool packing extra layers as long as we can witness Northern Lights, indulge in Christmas market delights, or hit the slopes in a magical mountain town.

Iceland may not tick off the latter as a ski destination, but it’s long been both mystical and mysterious to travelers worldwide, especially with easier connectivity over the last decade.

As such, more and more travelers couldn’t stifle their wanderlust impulses anymore, ultimately flocking to Iceland’s stunning waterfalls and famous Blue Lagoon and exploring the charming, vibrant streets of Reykjavik.

I had a blast the first time I visited Iceland, and I still consider this wondrous island to be my favorite country.

On my second trip, though…ehh, let’s just say the magic was lost when sharing space at waterfalls and black sand beaches as if I was a fish swimming upstream against a current of selfie sticks.

The good news is there’s a perfect alternative. Just as captivating with similar culture, otherworldly landscapes, and yes, unpredictable weather (so be ready), lies Europe’s lesser-known Faroe Islands, just highlighted by Yardbarker as a 2025 must-visit.

Europe’s Best Alternative To Iceland

The Faroe Islands boast all the same charm you find in Iceland except for a few quirks like Reykajvik’s museum dedicated to the male anatomy.

But, like Iceland, there are some shared quirks too, such as folklore legends of hidden elves living within society and endless streets with unpronounceable names like Tinghúsvegur.

As for similar attractions, expect to find unimaginably beautiful waterfalls like Múlafossur, rolling landscapes reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings film, hobbit-like homes, and yes, you can even get up close and personal with miniature horses.

One notable missing piece in comparison to Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon, but as a visitor myself, I’d say you can skip it in favor of Iceland’s new hotspot Akureyri, where spas’ entry fees are slashed in half.

The Faroes don’t have any geothermal spas, but you can check out Varmakelda, known as “The Healing Spring,” which is said to ‘increase love and passion’ if you’re into that woo-woo stuff.

Some other notable plusses for The Faroes are:

• Saksun has black sand beaches similar to Iceland’s Vik
• There’s no ‘Ring Road’ like Iceland, but there’s an impressive Eysturoy Tunnel to connect islands
• For cheap eats, try a Faroese ‘French-style ‘hot dog, comparable to Iceland’s gas station staple
• Deeply-rooted Viking heritage; check out The Faroe Islands National Museum ($11 admission)
• The capital Torshavn; a spitting image of Reykjavik’s multi-colored rows of delightful streets

Reaching The Faroes & Where To Stay

The Faroe Islands might be blushing brighter than their vibrant, postcard-worthy red townscape.

Following Iceland’s footsteps, their flagship carrier Atlantic Airways launched the first-ever direct flight to the States in 2023, but has since been discontinued due to lack of interest.

One could argue serving New York’s lesser-known New York Stewart International Airport was a mistake, but the historic route never took off like Iceland’s Play Airlines.

The good news is there are still a variety of ways to reach The Faroes, including Atlantic Airways, with popular connecting hubs such as London, Paris, Barcelona, and yes, even Reykjavik, to double dip in similar destinations.

The Faroe Islands welcomed their first name-brand hotels in 2020, so you can use your points at Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands or opt for a more authentic feel, such as the aforementioned hobbit-like homes.

If I’m not cashing in Hilton points, I’d choose The View in Bøur, with astounding waterfront views in traditional sod-roofed houses.

The Faroes’ Stunning Coastal Villages

Torshavn makes a great base, just like Reykjavik would in Iceland, but paying a visit to the Faroes’ tiny villages might be the highlight of your trip.

Anyone who’s done deep research on where to go in the Faroes has to have Gjógv at the top of their list.

Named after a 200-meter-long sea-filled gorge, this blip on the map packs a punch with natural beauty as one of the best photo-worthy spots of Denmark’s autonomous nation.

Next would be Nólsoy, an island of its own just a half-hour ferry ride from Torshavn, beholding epic mountain views.

Mykines (open late spring through summer) is home to a fruitful Puffin population, a popular sightseeing excursion both here and in Iceland.

For the adventurous, the coastal village of Tjørnuvík is known as a surfer’s paradise. Pack a wetsuit!

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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Year after year, airlineratings.com has released their annual list of the world’s safest airlines in some form or another.

For 2025, these travel experts unveiled some big surprises both globally and domestically – many of which fly through U.S. skies.

You might be wondering how such a list is compiled. No worries; it’s not some basement-dwelling dimwit using AI based on a bunch of gobbledygook.

AirlineRatings gathers its data from pilots and various aviation experts as well as uses the following information to put together an insightful list for travelers like you and me.

• Noteworthy incidents over a two-year span
• Age of fleet
• Size of fleet
• Rate of incidents
• Fatalities
• Profitability
• IOSA certification
• ICAO country audit pass
• Pilot training and skill level

There you have it. Now let’s dig in!

These are the 3 safest U.S. airlines for 2025:

3) American Airlines

Some airlines on the list you’ll likely never board, but American Airlines is truly an American staple.

Headquartered in the Dallas region, even providing employees with their own hotel, travelers may love flying American just as much as flight attendants enjoy their cool perks.

Out of all U.S. airlines ranking in the top 23 global airlines for safety, America comes in 3rd in the nation and 13th in the world, which is great to know since the latest data shows the mega-popular airline served over 2 million passengers in 2023.

American flies to some really awesome places all over the world, including 2 exciting new routes to Italy this year, and obviously connects much of the U.S., given its name.

In terms of safety, AA scores a perfect 7/7, while the product is just a 5.5/7. And ohhh boy, don’t get travelers started on the passenger experience, scoring a lowly 4.4.

As the kids would say, “that’s mid, bruh”. But anything beats Spirit, right?

2) Hawaiian Airlines

Ever flown across the ocean?

The views can be stunningly beautiful or absolutely terrifying. You may not want a window seat if you’re the type that looks down when someone says, “Don’t look down!”.

Hawaiian Airlines obviously connects Hawaii to the mainland, among numerous international destinations as well.

In other words, all flights soar over the ocean, so there may be no other airline you’ll want to feel safer since Captain Sully retired.

Hawaiian barely eked out Americans for the 12th spot globally and also holds bragging rights for better service and products, with a 5.4 passenger experience score and perfect 7/7 ratings for product and safety.

1) Alaska Airlines

Let’s get right to it. Airline Ratings has got some ‘splainin’ to do.

Remember when Alaska Airlines’ door plug blew off in 2024? It had nothing to do with those wild stories of passengers attempting to open emergency doors mid-flight and everything to do with maintenance shortcuts.

That doesn’t exactly paint a picture of safety. Perhaps this is where Airline Ratings’ “fatalities” bullet point comes into play since there were fortunately no lives lost during one of the scariest flight situations imaginable.

Despite this mishap just a year ago, Alaska Airlines remains a very popular airline, especially for short getaways. Not only does Alaska fly to, well, Alaska, they fly to many awesome cities and hidden gems, many of which are along the West Coast.

In addition to having the most reliable wi-fi, Alaska notched perfect ratings for product and safety (somehow) and matches Hawaiian with a 5.4 passenger experience score.

Airline Ratings’ Take On Air Safety In 2025

In a day and age of instant information, flight accidents may seem like they occur more often, but they may just be reaching our screens quicker.

It might be tempting to jump to conclusions when you see (very few) planes fall from the sky, but Airline Ratings cites a recent airline study claiming ‘global death risk per flight boarding was approximately one in 13.7 million’.

Pretty solid odds, right?

However, those concerned might appreciate Skyscanner’s new tool, a first-of-its-kind flight booking platform allowing users to search for flights based on safety.

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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JetBlue just announced 5 exciting new international routes set to launch in 2025. Some are popular vacation spots, and some are hidden gems, but all make for an epic trip in their own unique way.

Of the 5 new routes, there’s a pair of new destinations JetBlue will be jetting off to for the first time, one of which I had the pleasure of visiting last summer for a deep-dive into Mayan history with immaculate ruins and timeless streets.

So, let’s get right to it.

These are JetBlue’s 5 new routes slated to take flight this spring and summer:

JetBlue’s 2 New Routes To Europe

Europe can be hit or miss during the winter months unless you’re the winter wonderland type.

JetBlue is timing it right with the launch of 2 new European routes – one being a Spanish icon and another being a Gothic powerhouse on the up-and-up.

Let’s start with the former, and likely to locals’ chagrin. Spain has been dealing with overtourism concerns, especially in the household names and popular islands – Madrid certainly being one of them.

There’s no slowing down Spain’s popularity, but there are more and more hidden gems taking center stage, such as Oviedo, to take away from the overcrowded streets of tourist hotspots, especially in summer.

Regardless of your opinion on overtourism, Madrid is an incredible city brimming with architectural marvels, world-class eateries, and the “Golden Triangle of Art”.

JetBlue is launching a new daily flight from Boston (BOS) to Madrid (MAD) beginning May 22, 2025.

Next up is Edinburgh, which’s become a trendy urban escape as Scotland rises in popularity.

At first glance, Edinburgh may seem dark and gloomy, but up close, the city’s eye-catching Gothic architecture is a sight to behold, especially when visiting astounding castles like Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle, plus the meticulously detailed Palace of Holyroodhouse.

London may be the U.K.’s household name, but Edinburgh a bustling city with less crowds, its own timeless charm and an equally great spot to grab a pint at a local pub and mingle with English-speaking locals if you can decipher a thick Scottish accent…

JetBlue is launching a new daily flight from Boston (BOS) to Edinburgh (EDI) beginning May 22, 2025.

JetBlue’s New Flight To A Canadian Gem

If you think JetBlue is following the crowd by offering new flights to Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, think again!

JetBlue has set its sights on the lesser-known. Nova Scotia may seem like a far-flung land, but it’s actually not far from Maine.

One of the most notable aspects of Nova Scotia’s capital city, Halifax, is its maritime history, including significant ties to the Titanic, but no official word if Jack would’ve survived had he just propped himself up on the door!

I digress.

Halifax is a delightful city to visit, especially with easier connectivity. You’ll discover a buzzing waterfront boardwalk, picturesque lighthouses, whale-watching tours, and, if you time it right in summer, puffin tours too.

One site not to miss is Citadel Hill, a massive fortress smack dab in the middle of the cityscape and great for photo-ops.

JetBlue is launching a new daily flight from Boston (BOS) to Halifax (YZH) beginning June 26, 2025.

JetBlue’s 2 New Routes To Latin America

To no surprise, JetBlue is adding more flights to Santo Domingo as the Dominican Republic continues on a record-breaking tear.

Obviously, Punta Cana, which has its own airport, is typically the go-to paradise for vacationers, but Santo Domingo is a bustling city rich in culture and easily connected to other phenomenal beaches, like my favorite, Isla Saona.

JetBlue will be launching new daily flights from Newark (EWR) to Santo Domingo (SDQ) beginning June 12, 2025.

The big surprise, and another first for JetBlue, is a new route to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. While the city itself is a bit of a snoozer, I had a great time on a solo trip exploring Honduras by using San Pedro (as locals call it) as a springboard.

My recommendation is to make your way to the historic town of Copan Ruinas, home to well-preserved Mayan complexes or if you’re up for Honduras’ Caribbean side, enjoy the lesser-known town of Tela.

I will say if you do stay in San Pedro Sula, my stay at the Hilton Princess was flawless and hiking up to the Coca-Cola sign is a must!

JetBlue will be launching new daily flights year-round from New York (JFK) to San Pedro Sula (SAP) beginning June 12, 2025.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.