If you’re a digital nomad currently country-hopping around the globe, looking for the next safe haven to set up base temporarily and where you can enjoy both low living costs and a high quality of life, you’ve come to the right place.
Between Mexico City’s rising prices, Buenos Aires’ volatile currency, and even former offbeat spot Tbilisi’s housing crisis, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking all of our favorite nomad destinations globally are no longer viable options.
It’s definitely a trickier world to navigate, especially if you’re on a tighter budget, and that’s why you should keep these 4 laid-back hidden gems in mind for 2025:
Vitoria, Brazil
The mid-size capital to Brazil’s coastal state of Espírito Santo, home to roughly 323,000 inhabitants, Vitoria is a fast-growing city that’s yet to reach Rio’s level of disorderly growth, but that’s far from being dullsville:
It is best known for its wide, long sandy beaches, most notably Praia do Cambria, 16th century Penha Convent, perched on a rocky protuberance overlooking the Atlantic, and slower-paced living, boasting lower levels of petty crime and violence.
As a nomad, you’re expected to budget $1,640 per month living in Vitoria, as per Nomads estimates: rent prices are around 34.6% lower than in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most expensive metropolis, averaging $504 for a downtown apartment, and a restaurant meal will set you back by around $6.
Alanya, Turkey
Antalya‘s less-famous sister, Alanya lies to the east of the world-famous resort, and it’s a smaller, less chaotic, fortified port town centered around a picture-perfect historic center with colorful Ottoman-era houses, and narrow streets covered in cobbles.
Cleopatra Beach is said to have been visited by, you guessed it, Cleopatra herself. The ancient Alanya Castle dates back to the period of Seljuk rule, and there’s even an octagonal Red Tower overlooking a turquoise Mediterranean: in sum, it exudes Old World charm.
Better even, it’s not the kind of balmy, off-season European getaway to break the bank––we’re talking $10 bucks for a simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant, $515-734 in rent (look up Numbeo), and $1,342 in monthly expenses overall.
Agadir, Morocco
A resort city straddling Morocco’s Atlantic Coast, backed by the jaw-dropping Anti-Atlas mountain range, Agadir is an up-and-coming leisure destination Europeans have been flocking to this winter for their sunny break.
Digital nomads, on the other hand, keep sleeping on it despite the fact it boasts pleasant off-season temps, with lows of 56 and highs of 71 degrees, a high concentration of laptop-friendly eateries, where lunch averages $4, and a beautiful hilltop casbah (citadel) overlooking the ocean.
Agadir is also much safer than your average Moroccan conurbation, with low levels of crime and offering residents a higher quality of life without blowing the budget: in fact, you can live comfortably in a waterfront condo, eating out most nights for under $1,713 a month.
San Miguel de Allende
A beautiful colonial-era town in the hinterland of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is best known for its Instagrammable corners, with cobbled streets and charming plazas flanked by colorful houses, and a pink-washed, twin-towered cathedral.
Something most nomads themselves don’t know, however, is that it can be a great alternative to a bustling Mexico City or an overpriced Playa Del Carmen, with its many laptop-friendly cafes (check out Geek & Coffee), green areas and low criminality.
On top of being historically significant and considerably more peaceful than larger cities, San Miguel is sure to appeal to budget-conscious travelers, who would prioritize keeping their monthly expenses under $2,300 a month (more specifically, $2,332).
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.
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.
If you’re Caribbean dreaming, then perhaps one of the easiest ways to explore this patch of paradise is on a cruise ship.
What could be easier than hopping on a ship and then traveling from port to port, exploring several different Caribbean islands in one short vacation?
Cruise vacations are relaxing, convenient….and soaring in popularity!
To meet the growing demand for cruise travel, these are the 10 new cruise ships sailing to the Caribbean in 2025:
MSC World America
This huge ship will have a capacity of 6,774 passengers and will set sail on April 12.
Its inaugural route will take a round trip from Miami to Puerto Plata, San Juan, and Ocean Cay. It will then spend the rest of its maiden season exploring the Caribbean.
If you’re looking for a ship packed full of fun then this is a great one to choose. Ride the Cliffhanger, an over-the-water swing ride, or climb the high ropes course on the top deck of the ship.
Like many modern cruise ships, the MSC World America will also boast a water park, and when it’s time to relax, you’ll have a whopping 18 different bars and lounges to choose from.
Norwegian Aqua
Also launching in April, with the maiden voyage taking place on April 16, is the newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Lines.
This is a slightly smaller ship than MSC’s mega liner, with a capacity for up to 3,571 passengers.
This first cruise will be a five-day round trip from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Bimini. The rest of the season will be spent traveling between Orlando and Bermuda.
What makes this ship so special is that it will boast a ‘first of its kind’ rollercoaster and water slide hybrid as well as Norwegians first ever VR Game Zone at sea.
Oceania Cruises Allura
Launching on July 18, the Allura from Oceania Cruises is a smaller but luxurious cruise liner. At full capacity this ship only holds 1,200 passengers.
This is a liner for passengers looking to really relax and unwind. Its highlights include a library with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, fine dining in 2 signature restaurants, and an onboard creperie for on-demand snacking.
Its inaugural sailing will take it from Trieste to Athens over seven days, but it will move to Caribbean routes later in the season.
Luminara From The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
One of the smallest ships on this list, the Luminara is actually a cruise yacht hybrid from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. It only had a capacity of 448 passengers.
This is a luxury liner, and all of the suites on board will have their own private ocean-view terrace. If you want the luxury of a Ritz-Carlton hotel but at sea, then that’s exactly what you’ll get here!
This ship will take its maiden voyage on July 31, traveling a round trip from Rome to Livorno, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Ajaccio, and Port Cervo.
After it has finished its planned Mediterranean routes, the liner will then move to the Caribbean for the remainder of its maiden season.
Royal Caribbean Star Of The Seas
The Star of the Seas will be the second Icon Class ship from Royal Caribbean, and these mega-sized ships are bursting at the seams with excitement, attractions, and things to do.
This ship will have a capacity of 5,610 passengers and will feature an exclusive ‘Back to the Future’ stage show.
This ship will spend its maiden season in the Caribbean.
Its inaugural sailing will be on August 31, when it will take a round-trip route from Port Canaveral to CocoCay, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.
Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady
If you’ve heard of the Brilliant Lady before then that’s because this ship has been advertised then delayed several times, but now it’s finally launching on September 5 2025.
This will be the 4th ship from Virgin Voyages and will look identical to its sister ships, too.
The only main change? The Brilliant Lady will have an adapted frame to enable it to fit through the Panama Canal.
The capacity of this ship will be 2,770 passengers and its first sailing will take a round trip to Bermuda from New York City.
Star Princess From Princess Cruises
The new Star Princess ship Princess Cruises will be identical in every way to its sister ship, the Sun Princess. The capacity of this ship will be 4,300 passengers.
Some of the highlights of this ship are its SkyDeck Sports Court, which also includes a splash area for kids, and you’ll find an abundance of pubs and bars on board too.
This ship will make its first sailing on October 4. This will be an 11 day Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona. The ship will spend its inaugural season first in the Med and then in the Caribbean.
Disney Destiny
The arrival of Disney’s newest cruise ship is long-awaited, but Disney has kept the details of the ship under their hats. Not much is known about the ship, but we do know that it will boast a unique Lion King-themed dining experience. We also know that one of the activity options will include a Marvel Superhero Academy.
The Disney Destiny will have a capacity of 4,000 passengers and will launch on November 20 with a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas from Port Everglades.
The ship will spend the whole of its maiden season in the Caribbean, traveling to and from the Bahamas.
Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Xcel
The Celebrity Xcel is the 5th in the Edge Class of ships from Celebrity and will feature a beautiful Rooftop Garden, as well as specialty dining options.
The ship will have a capacity of 3,260 passengers and will officially launch on November 18. The ship will start its maiden season in the Caribbean before moving into the Mediterranean.
Its inaugural sailing will be a 5-night round-trip cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico from Fort Lauderdale.
Windstar Cruises, Star Seeker
Finally, in December, the latest cruise ship from Windstar Cruises will launch.
This is by far the smallest ship on this list, with a capacity for just 224 passengers.
This ship will spend its maiden season exploring the Caribbean as well as Alaska and Japan. It gets around for a small ship!
This ship will offer 112 suites and each will have either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window. This is a luxury liner for those looking for a more intimate cruising experience.
Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.
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.
While you’re likely to be well-familiarized with the likes of Barcelona, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria, we’re pretty sure you haven’t heard of Asturias, or if you did, you promptly brushed it aside as it’s not, you know, your usual beach hotspot.
Gross mistake.
As it turns out, Asturias is currently one of the fastest-rising Spanish destinations in popularity, recording a 17% uptick in visitors this winter alone even though it’s the low season and being expected to host a record number of guests throughout 2025.
Now that we’ve piqued your curiosity, what is Asturias all about, and why is everyone suddenly this interested in an offbeat, largely rural region in the much-underrated North of Spain?
Discovering Spain’s Hidden Gem
Officially called the Principality of Asturias, this is a historically significant region in northwest Spain characterized by its dramatic coastline, interspersed with sandy beaches and tall sea cliffs, mountainous hinterland, and medieval heritage.
Asturias was one of a handful of regions in the Iberian Peninsula––which includes Spain and Portugal––not to have fallen under Muslim control during the Arab takeover of Spain, which lasted for over 7 centuries.
As a result, it’s retained a distinct culture from that of the rest of the country: for instance, it’s still a principality, as the name indicates, with Felipe VI currently bearing the title of Prince of Asturias, and for many centuries, it was considered Spain’s last true Christian stronghold.
Until, of course, the country was reclaimed by the Christians, and this leads us to our first stop on this journey around Asturias:
What Has Asturias Got To Offer?
Visit The Regional Capital
The regional capital is Oviedo, a mid-size city dating back to the Middle Ages, home to the monumental Oviedo Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in Northern Spain, picturesque plazas bordered by restaurants, and many museums.
The 9th century Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its intact state for a Romanesque structure that is ancient, while Plaza del Fontán has its own traditional market.
If you’re an art geek, the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, located in Oviedo, has a vast collection of European pieces ranging from the Spanish Middle Ages to 20th century Flemish, and for the best fabada in town, make sure you book a table at Taberna Salcedo.
Asturian cuisine is one of the tastiest and most diverse in Spain, and from its white-bean-based dishes to pork shoulder (locally known as llacón), to the usual Northerly chorizo and the hearty Asturian stew, Oviedo’s food scene will not disappoint you.
Swim In Asturias Beaches
As beautiful as Oviedo may be, you’ll want to head to the Asturian seaside to truly take in the region’s most authentic culture: unfolding along an azure Atlantic for roughly 250 miles, it is lined with vibrant port cities, quaint fishing towns, and picture-perfect beaches.
Let’s start with the main coastal city in Asturias, as well as its largest one, at that (yep, larger even than Oviedo).
From spring, when it’s warm enough, Gijón is the perfect mix of beaches and culture, with its centrally-located Playa de San Lorenzo being hugged by the crystal-clear seas of the Bay of Biscay, and the colorful harbor houses that have barely seen the passing of time.
Over in Llanes, a laid-back seaside resort, you’ll find an unspoiled Playa de Guadamía, nestled between cliffs, and if you’re driving out to Playa de Griega, near the small settlement of Colunga, you’ll get the chance to see fossilized tracks left by dinosaurs.
Then there’s Gulpiyuri a unique inland swimming site near a flooded sinkhole, said to be the smallest beach in the world and a well-frequented Playa de Torimbia, straddling the ocean for what seems like endless miles.
While we’re still on the coast, it’s time to tour Asturias’ prettiest seaside settlements:
Check Out These Postcard-Ready Villages
Some of the prettiest small towns in Asturias include Cudillero, a quaint village on the Bay of Biscay and a perfect photo op for tourists thanks to its colorful houses, narrow streets, and a marina filled with fishing boats.
Luarca is just as pretty, with a well-preserved center dating back centuries and its fair share of unruffled sandy beaches (not to mention a landmark lighthouse), but if attending the world’s oldest canoe festival happens to be on your bucket list, it’s Ribadesella where you should be headed:
It hosts the annual Descent of the Villaviciosa River, taking place in early August this year, not to mention it has a charming historic center packed with family-run eateries (it’s a bit out of town, but don’t sleep on Meson Sidreria‘s pochopo).
Now that you’ve had your fair share of Instagrammable corners and colorful harbors, ready to put your hiking boots on?
Climb To The Very Top Of Asturias
For the hiking enthusiast amongst us, you’ll be thrilled to learn Asturias is one of Europe’s top hiking hotspots, largely due to its Picos de Europa, which cuts through its undeveloped terrain and provides sanctuary for a variety of wildlife.
Brown bears, wolves, eagles, you name it.
It’s also littered with skiing stations for winter, but we’d argue it’s far more beautiful to visit from spring onward when the peaks are clad in lush green, the birds are out, and all footpaths and trails are again accessible.
When the time comes, you’ll be able to join thousands of pilgrims on their way up the peaks to the Sanctuary of Covadonga: Asturias was, for many centuries, Spain’s last Christian outpost, remember?
We should probably mention this sanctuary, perched atop a prominent hill, surrounded by the snow-dusted elevations of Picos de Europa, provided the background for the first battle of the Reconquista, the period relating to the Christian reconquest of Spain.
Other than holding sentimental and religious value for Christian Spaniards, it is famous for its tiny chapel built into a cave with a lake underneath.
For more breathtaking natural scenery, head next to the Somiedo National Park, where many more hiking opportunities and deep-turquoise, high-elevation lakes await, and Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, the second largest mountain range in Asturias.
Asturias Is Cheaper Than Other Parts Of Spain
Finally, just how Expensive Is Asturias?
As it is yet to be engulfed by tourism in the way Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, or the Canaries have, Asturias continues to offer visitors a justly-priced alternative to Spain’s beach hotspots.
Believe it or not, booking a standard double room in an Ibis in central Oviedo will set you back by $37-a-night, while the average price of a meal in an inexpensive local restaurant––frequented by Asturians themselves––is $15.47, according to Numbeo.
If you’re keen on hiking the Picos de Europa, Cangas de Onís is the base you’re looking for: a small town nestled in a valley, where some of the most popular trails start from, it has a 5-arched, ancient Roman bridge over a crystalline river, and it’s a safe haven itself for the park’s golden eagles.
Staying by the seaside instead? A private room at the seafront Hostel Gijón Centro, within walking distance of San Lorenzo Beach and the lively port, averages $41 again.
Are Rising Temperatures Aiding Asturian Tourism?
As El Comercio notes, the popularity of the Principality can be attributed not only to its overlooked cultural value and breathtaking nature but also to the rising temperatures seen across Spain.
You see, Asturias is Spain, indeed, but with a different flavor of it: it’s in the North, it’s very mountainous, and most importantly, it isn’t on the receiving end of the scorching heatwaves emanating from North Africa, like Malaga or Barcelona are.
The fact it is not a Mediterranean destination has, in fact, played in its favor, as its coast has a temperate climate in summer, rarely reaching unpleasant highs of over 86.0°F, and the mountains are always cooler, irrespective of the season.
If you can’t bear the Southern European heat, you should know weather-wise, Asturias more closely resembles Northwestern Spain or even Southern England (in the warmer months).
How To Visit Asturias From The U.S.
Americans Can Fly Nonstop To The North Of Spain Starting This Year!
Beginning this year, Americans can fly nonstop to Bilbao, the largest city in the neighboring Basque Country, for the first time ever.
The Basque Country is just as fascinating and underrated a part of Spain to discover, yet if you’re intent on reaching Asturias on your next getaway, which we wouldn’t blame you for after seeing all it has to offer, you can land in Basque, and then make your way west to Asturias.
The driving distance from Bilbao to Oviedo is roughly 3 hours, and you’ll be passing by some of the most spectacular scenery both in Basque Country and in Asturias in between.
Alternatively, you have more flight options landing in Madrid, where high-speed trains to Asturias (namely Oviedo or Gijon) are available from as cheap as $17 one-way.
If landing elsewhere in Spain or Europe, you can fly to Asturias Airport, located 9 miles from Avilés, 24 miles from Gijon, and 29 miles from Oviedo.
Flights are offered from many European hubs that host transatlantic flights, and Americans can get to them nonstop, such as Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Lisbon in Portugal, London (Gatwick) in England, and Paris (Orly) in France.
Low-cost airlines such as Volotea and Vueling service some of these routes, with tickets starting from a shockingly-cheap $17.
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.
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.
Blessed with sunny temps year-round and being a paradisiacal island bordered by turquoise seas, Jamaica is a no-brainer for Americans planning a tropical getaway this winter despite not being the most peaceful of countries.
According to the State Department, Americans should, in fact, ‘reconsider’ travel to Jamaica due to the nation’s widespread gang activity and ongoing issues with crime, but it’s not like that’s stopping U.S. citizens from flocking into Montego Bay:
This winter alone, Jamaica is expected to host over 1 million visitors, with an additional 180,000 airline seats, not to mention its best winter season yet: among all nationalities, Americans are leading the figures, accounting for 74,000 of those new seats.
Considering the dire safety warnings, what is it about Jamaica that has got Americans so hookedregardless?
Resort Zones Are Safe
Jamaica is not exactly the safest Caribbean country out there, but as a destination, it is relatively safe. Does that sound confusing? Allow us to explain briefly:
While it’s true crime rates in Jamaica are exceedingly high, as noted by Numbeo, and infrastructure in some areas is lacking at best, these are problems that, for better or for worse, mostly concern residents, especially those living in largely underdeveloped towns.
As a privileged tourist, however, you’ll be likely staying in a heavily-fortified, well-surveilled resort, where no one gets in or out unless they’re staff, guests, or have been invited, and where criminals do not operate.
Controversial as it may be, though Jamaica is far from being a perfectly functioning state, factoring in the corruption levels and violence, it’s a paradise for visitors, and they have little, if anything, at all to be worried about when going there on vacation.
Luxury Resorts Galore
Jamaica’s wide range of resorts, particularly in and around Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, plays an equally big part in the island’s popularity with Americans.
Let’s face it: when you have only 7 to 10 days of paid vacation per day, an all-inclusive resort is as good as it gets, where pampering is expected 24/7, amenities are world-class, and the quality of food is unrivaled––have we mentioned the private beaches yet?
They’re not particularly expensive, either, with an overnight at the SeaGarden Beach Resort, in the heart of Montego Bay, costing $250 a night on a weekend this February, or an even-cheaper $193 at Deja Resort, with stunning ocean views and meals included.
Naturally, if you’re the splurging type, and we’re talking 4 figures-a-night, there are much-pricier villas at a paradisiacal Round Hill, or at the landmark, five-star Secrets St. James, with prices at those higher-end listings ranging from $1,044 to $2,000 a night.
Jamaica Is Surprisingly Visitor-Friendly
We wouldn’t be the first ones to venture outside the protective walls of a resort unaccompanied unless it’s the shopping zones in Montego Bay or Negril, which are still strictly patrolled, but if beaching for 7 days straight isn’t your idea of fun, there is a way you can safely explore Jamaica.
Just book a guided tour!
From Montego Bay, you can visit a marijuana farm and bird sanctuary for only $81, pick up and drop off at your location of preference included, or even go on an adults-only, ‘reggae’ catamaran cruise with an open bar along the coast, from $110.
To our fellow culture buffs out there, a must-do while in Jamaica is the Bob Marley Guided Tour of Nine Mile, featuring a stop in St. Ann, the birthplace of the music icon and Jamaica’s most emblematic figure, as well as the Bob Marley Mausoleum ($167.48).
From Kingston, the vibrant capital of Jamaica, there are walking tours of colorful murals ($26), or if you’re keen on something a little more hippy, check out this incredible Story of Jamaican Music Tour, starting from $90 per person.
Flights There Are Cheap
Finally, there’s the fact that Americans can fly nonstop to all three international airports of Jamaica, located in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Based on Kayak data, the average rate of one-way flights from the United States to Jamaica is a surprisingly affordable $90, with the complete list of nonstop routes listed below:
Nonstop Flights From The U.S. To Kingston (KIN)
5-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Spirit Airlines
3 flights per day with American Airlines
4-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Delta Air Lines
1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines
Nonstop Flights From The U.S. To Montego Bay (MBJ)
8-11 flights per day with JetBlue, Spirit Airlines or Southwest Airlines
5-7 flights per day with JetBlue, Southwest Airlines or Spirit Airlines
3-6 flights per day with American Airlines
6-9 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Frontier Airlines
2-8 flights per day with American Airlines
3 flights per day with United Airlines
2-4 flights per day with American Airlines or Frontier Airlines
2-3 flights per day with American Airlines
Houston-Intercontinental (IAH)
1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines
Houston-William P. Hobby (HOU)
1 flight per week every Saturday with Southwest Airlines
1-3 flights per day with American Airlines or United Airlines
2 flights per day with Southwest Airlines
1-3 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Sun Country Airlines
0-2 flights every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday with American Airlines, Jet Blue or Delta Air Lines
1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines
0-1 flight every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with United Airlines
0-1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday with Xtra Airways
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.
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.
Hot diggity dog! Our tax dollars have finally been put to good use by the very people we pay to represent us.
It’s been a contentious year in the world of politics, but no matter if you’re Team Donkey, Team Elephant, or toeing the line in the middle, surely we can all agree it’s long overdue for an overhaul of travel-related fees, especially sneaky ones!
I mean, wasn’t it popcorn-worthy to watch the CCOs of Frontier and Spirit squirm being grilled by the Senate for incentivizing gate agents to scope out oversized baggage?
Well, now it’s hotels’ and vacation rentals’ turn to make things right, so there’s no more sudden surprises.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just announced a bipartisan rule officially banning so-called ‘junk fees’ just months after other traveler-friendly protections were implemented for flight delays and cancellations.
What Are ‘Junk Fees’?
Travel long enough, and you’ve probably encountered the ol’ bait-and-switch tactic at some point.
In fact, my girlfriend, who is a hotel manager, says add-on fees are guests’ most common complaint.
Fortunately, in this case, they’re bozos who didn’t read the clearly marked parking fee, but she also says there are many guests asking if her property charges a ‘resort fee‘ – Exhibit A for junk fees.
There have been many bad apples who hide charges at first glance only to tack them on your final bill, and you know exactly who the main culprit has been.
Is it a sin to tack on resort fees?
Ehh, maybe not. But ‘Sin City’ is the Mecca for sneaking in charges, where oftentimes tourists are caught by surprise with exorbitant fees higher than their room rate.
It’s similar to budget airlines selling $25 flights, only to tell you your bag is too large for a ‘carry-on’ as you board and charging you double (if not more) than what you spent on airfare before allowing you to take your seat.
In other words, a cheap trip can stack up really quickly! The FTC has taken notice and is putting a stop to it.
The bottom line is to check your bottom line. There will be so much more transparency moving forward.
Hotels and vacation rentals will still be able to charge extra fees, but you’ll know about them upfront.
“The FTC’s rule will put an end to junk fees around live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars and millions of hours in wasted time”.
– FTC Chair, Lina M. Khan
How Hotels And Vacation Rentals Will Look Going Forward
Truth be told, after visiting nearly 40 countries, the research that goes into a trip can be more exhausting than the travel itself.
Confirming prices, scouring reviews, and navigating complicated policies can be such a drag to the point you might ask yourself if it’s worth taking a trip at all.
The good news is those days will now be few and few between – at least for domestic trips.
The U.S. obviously has no bearing on what Cancun, Punta Cana, or Timbuktu charge.
Let’s use Airbnb as an example. When I plan out a trip and want more space or an amenity that hotels don’t typically have, like in-unit washers and dryers, I opt for Airbnb.
When searching apartments, you’ll see nightly rates all over the map, quite literally and figuratively, but what you won’t see right away are the big question marks that reveal themselves on the final checkout page.
These can range from pet fees, extra guest charges, and the company’s much-maligned cleaning fees, which can often be outrageous.
I’ve even had a host try to charge me extra for their electricity bill, which was never discussed until after checking out.
Needless to say that Venmo request was denied, but you can see why the FTC has needed to step in.
The primary issue with hotels is the aforementioned resort fees, so rather than think you just scored the deal of a lifetime on a $99 beachfront villa; it will now be listed as, say, a $500 beachfront villa with an itemized breakdown of resort fees, etc.
The FTC’s press release states, ‘the most prominent price in an ad needs to be the all-in total price—truthful itemization and breakdowns are fine but should not overshadow what consumers want to know: the real total’.
Live Events Are Affected Too
In a day and age where travelers follow their favorite musical acts and sports teams, the FTC is tackling the same issues for live events.
For example, when I buy tickets for my beloved Padres, I never pay anything close to the price listed for tickets.
If I think I’m buying $30 outfield seats, that likely means $55 outfield seats with all the extra fees tacked on.
Now those tickets should be listed as $55 (or close) to avoid any headaches and surprises.
The FTC estimates that consumers across the board will save over 53 million hours of time and over $11 billion over the next decade.
The new rules have already passed in a 4 to 1 vote and will become effective 120 days after it’s published in the Federal Register.
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.
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.
