Archives January 2025

Americans Can Fly Nonstop To These 4 Cultural Beach Destinations In The Caribbean

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The Caribbean may be the number one destination for Americans going on a sunny break in winter, but for some, it’s not without its downsides:

Cancun, Punta Cana, and the like are all primariliy resort destinations you go for relaxing, taking a breather, and some week-long pampering, and though they are indisputably incredible on the luxury tourism front, the cultural offer is infamously lacking.

Fortified City Walls Of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

With a growing number of U.S. passport holders now actively seeking cultural immersions when away from home, as opposed to lounging by the pool all day, the usual beach hotspot may not exactly fit their criteria for a more meaningful experience.

There are plenty of exceptions to the rule, of course, with incredible Caribbean destinations boasting not only palm tree-lined sands and turquoise seas but also mind-blowing sights.

If we may add, they’re all a short 2-4 hour flight away from major U.S. hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and others:

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Colorful Houses In Old San Juan Puerto Rico

The bustling capital of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated U.S. territory U.S. citizens can travel to passport-free, San Juan is a cultural treasure dating back to the time of Spanish rule, which, similarly to Santo Domingo, has retained much of its Old World allure.

The main attraction here is Old San Juan, a maze of cobble-covered streets and tree-shaded plazas flanked by brightly-colored edifices that will make you feel more like being in Southern Europe, proper, than somewhere in the Caribbean.

Cobblestone Alley Lined With Colorful Houses In Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The towering Bautista Cathedral serves as the final resting place for Juan Ponce de León, a renowned Spanish explorer, and the Old Town is still surrounded by city walls, making San Juan one of a handful of colonial cities in the Americas to have this feature.

Needless to say, there are countless beaches and swimming spots within a short distance of the picture-perfect historic center, with a sandy Condado Beach, lined with restaurants and high-rises, and El Escambrón, a well-frequented snorkeling area, to name a couple.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tourist woman appreciating the beauty of the colonial city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The often-overlooked capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the oldest European city in the Americas and a bustling metropolis best known for its cobbled Zona Colonial, with buildings dating as far back as the 1500s, surrounded by UNESCO-listed ramparts and towers.

Its towering cathedral is the first built by the Spaniards upon their initial incursion into the New World, while Plaza de España is the city’s colonial centerpiece, housing a monumental Alcázar de Colón palace and a number of casual, charming cafes.

Old Spanish Ozama Fortress In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Minus the buzzing traffic, exotic smells emanating from the stall-lined Mercado Modelo, and the fact it’s a little rough around the edges, you could easily be led to believe Santo Domingo is just another postcard town in Spain, but that’s not to say old stones is all it has to offer.

With up-and-coming Boca Chica and its largely undeveloped, sun-kissed shores being a short half-hour drive from the historic center, where beachfront stays start from $63, it is a budget-friendly alternative to a pricey Punta Cana or increasingly expensive La Romana.

Cartagena, Colombia

Historical City Center In Cartagena, On The Caribbean Coast Of Colombia, Mexico, South America

Lining the sun-drenched Caribbean shores of Northern Colombia, Cartagena ticks all the boxes for what makes a culture-infused sunny break great: it has the postcard-ready colonial core, the inviting street food scene, and even pristine islands just off its mainland.

If you’re going to Cartagena this winter, you should take your time strolling its monument-packed fortified Old Town, filled with 16th-century squares, street food stalls strewn along cobblestone alleys, and ornate Baroque churches, as well as walking the impressive ramparts.

Woman Walking Down the Street in Cartagena

Thanks to its tropical weather, Cartagena is great for water-based activities, and one could argue no visit is complete without an island-hopping adventure: in that case, this 5-island boat tour around the Rosario archipelago is a must-do, costing only $75.66.

Now, if you’re keen on seafood, you can’t miss out on Pezetarian‘s sushi tacos: not exactly traditional, but one of Cartagena’s culinary highlights, nonetheless; as for authentic Colombian food, Reina Arepa probably serves the yummiest arepas in town, starting from a single dollar.

Tulum, Mexico

A Father And His Son In Tulum Ruins, Mexican Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America.jpg

A trendy resort town straddling the turquoise Mexican Caribbean, Tulum may be best known for its luxury hotels, party scene and shop-bordered Quinta Avenida, but if it’s ancient culture you’re coming all the way down to Mexico for, then it’s ancient culture you’ll get:

It is home to the sprawling, 13th-century Tulum National Park, an archeological zone comprising the iconic cliffside Castillo, a Mayan watchtower overlooking the Caribbean, and many smaller temples, including the landmark, mural-clad Templo de las Pinturas.

A Young Woman Smiling For A Picture At The Ancient Ruins Of Tulum, Mexico, Latin America.jpg

The Tulum Ruins ranks among the most popular in the Yucatán Peninsula for tourists to immerse themselves in the region’s rich past, though they’re not the only ones accessible from Tulum: for instance, the equally-beautiful Cobá is a 45-minute drive inland.

This winter, Americans flying directly to Tulum Airport can use the opportunity to board the newly-launched Teen Maya, a scenic train traveling on a loop around Yucatán and calling at Tulum to discover many more Mayan sites, undisturbed native settlements, and colonial towns.

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Move Over London! This Timeless U.K. City Was Just Named The World’s Best Destination For 2025

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London, it was a good run! Now it’s another timeless city’s turn in the spotlight, at least according to the New York Times.

Naming 2025’s ‘52 Best Places to Travel’, taking home gold is a U.K. city often left in the shadows of London.

People walking through historic plaza of Bath, UK

But, travelers have been more receptive to exploring more of what the U.K. has to offer, from trending destinations such as Edinburgh, the rise of Belfast, and other lesser-known cities on the up and up with new train routes, which is your best bet to reach 2025’s top destination.

Exuding Roman-era charm, delightful tea shops, and picturesque villages on the outskirts, you’ll be magnetized toward an array of historic sites and, even more so, the wide selection of spas to melt your stress away, hence the name Bath.

Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than London’s sky-high prices.

Forget The Household Names: How Bath Sets Itself Apart

The Great Bath at the Roman Baths

At first glance, Bath may not feel like a typical U.K. city. In fact, it’s relatively small in size, housing just 94,092 inhabitants according to the last census records.

Boasting grand Georgian architecture and Roman-style bathhouses, Bath is a far cry from London’s towering skyline and tourist-curated landmarks.

Bath is easy to explore on foot and well-connect by bus and train from London, but while here, a great way to see the sites is by electric scooters dispersed across the city to see the sites

There’s no place like Bath anywhere else in the U.K. Sure, there are other timeless gems like the Cotswolds, but everything fails in comparison to what Bath offers.

Historic Roman baths - Bath, U.K.

Bath is an eye-popping city perfect for kicking back and unwinding rather than pub-hopping across London.

While there are certainly traditional pubs here, the main draw of Bath is ample Roman spas originally consisting of thousands of archaeological discoveries, many of which are open to the public to enjoy all the benefits of naturally warm hot springs just as the Romans did.

Bath’s Must-Visit Spas

With a name like Bath, it would be hard-pressed to find any tourists who didn’t enjoy a soak at a bathhouse.

Roman Baths sign - Bath, U.K.

While I’m certainly no spa expert by any means, I can attest to how relaxing and beneficial visiting such concepts can be as I’ve visited Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon Istanbul’s traditional hammams, and I liked both so much that I even made a point to visit a new hot spring resort in my home state of California.

I haven’t had the privilege to visit Bath, but can totally relate to visitors’ enthusiasm like this review for Thermae Bath Spa:

“Only thermal baths in the whole of the UK. Great to be in the rooftop pool looking out over the countryside and UNESCO world heritage city!”

You can also book tickets to the Roman Baths Museum, a fascinating tour showcasing the old world.

Bath's Roman baths ancient spa

According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 3 favorite spas to visit Bath:

  • Thermae Bath Spa
  • The Cross Bath
  • The Bath Massage Company

Cheaper Stays: Historic Hotels And Cozy Inns

Saying Bath is cheaper than London is an understatement, as a majority of global destinations don’t sniff London’s bank-breaking prices.

Bath offers a variety of intriguing stays brimming with character rather than splurging on name-brand hotels.

The Empire Hotel in Bath, U.K.

Many of Bath’s top accommodations are centrally located, making for a great way to start your day with a cup of coffee or cap off your day with afternoon tea, a long-held British tradition.

Dating back to the 1400s Sally Lunn’s is a must-stop for great local fare, including tea and better yet, the chic Z Hotel is within walking distance and only $51 per night.

For those who do stick with the familiar brands back home to rack up points, Hotel Indigo is a great value too for a 4-star stay around $100 per night.

Entrance to Bath, U.K. hotel

The best choice, however, has got to be 5-star Ayrlington, incredibly priced with a nightly rate of just $71 for a last-minute getaway or just $10 more in spring.

To discover the serene side of Bath, venturing away from the quaint city center, you’ll find a cozy inn overlooking the scenic River Avon – The Old Mill Hotel is also very affordable at just $56 through March.

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Medieval Sights & Vibrant Culture: Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Visit The Friendliest City In Europe

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Traveling to Europe in winter is not an idea that appeals to most people:

It’s cold, for sure, daylight hours are limited, especially up north, and across many countries, locals are not exactly at their most welcoming selves––can you really blame them when it’s 23°F out?

Colorful Gamla Stan In Stockholm, Sweden

Like everything in life, there is always an exception to the rule: in this case, not the freezing temperatures, but how exciting, lively, and welcoming a city can be despite the bleak weather, or more interestingly even, as a result of it.

Believe it or not, Stockholm is the perfect city break during the festive break, ranking the highest for friendliness across the pond, according to Condé Nast Traveller, and offering a fairytale-like winter experience (with the medieval Old Town and fascinating History to go with it).

It’s far from being a sunny getaway, but it might as well melt your heart:

Discover Sweden’s Colorful Medieval Capital This Winter

Gamla Stan In Winter, Stockholm, Sweden

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is built across 14 islands distributed around an archipelago on the Baltic Sea, all connected by as many as 50 bridges, an extensive underground system––which we’ll get to in a bit––and multiple ferry routes.

With a population of over 1.6 million people, it is the largest city not only in Sweden, but the whole of Scandinavia, so it can feel a little overwhelming at first, with so much to see and so little time, but if you’re visiting this winter, a good place to start is Gamla Stan.

Swedish for ‘Old Town’, this centrally-located island is famous for its cobbled streets and skinny, ocher-colored houses dating back centuries.

Gamla Stan Cathedral In Stockholm, Sweden

It’s true Stockholm is kinder to sightseers in summer when it’s (somewhat) pleasant out, and there’s more sunshine compared to the rest of the year, but we’d argue winter is when it’s at its most magical:

It is the friendliest city in Europe, as per the latest survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, where it scored an impressive 94.07, and indeed, walking into any bakery or restaurant or asking locals for directions, you’ll be greeted with politeness and a hospitable smile.

Maybe it’s the mysa spirit, maybe it’s the fact you can never get grumpy with a happy tummy full of cinnamon buns from Café Saturnus, the pride and joy of Stockholm’s coffeeshop scene; either way, Swedes are ready to welcome you with open arms.

Archway In Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

And you know what they say, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing:

It’s So Beautiful You Won’t Mind Being Outside

Stockholm is meant to be seen on foot, and you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.

Temperatures range from the mid-20s to low 40s in winter, and this is the Baltic Sea, after all, so it gets windy––definitely make sure you wear enough layers to protect yourself from the teeth-chattering cold and don’t hold back on the mulled wine and hot choccie.

Warning given: don’t miss a snow-dusted, 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral dominating the skyline, the majestic Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family––yep, they have one of their own, in case you didn’t know!––and the spearing, red-brick City Hall.

gold crown on a bridge in stockholm with royal palace in the background

For unashamed wintery fun and an overload of culture, make sure you pay Skansen a visit: a short ferry ride away from the city center, this is Stockholm’s world-famous folk park, depicting life in a rural part of Sweden as if it was still the olden days.

Add to that winter markets filled with stalls, offering a wide range of products, from fine smithing and ceramics to Swedish street food faves like sausages and pickled herring, and historical celebrations with traditional music and dance, and you get the gist of it.

Escape The Cold Underground

Colorful Metro Station In Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is hella cold this winter, and while there’s definitely some sightseeing to be done, and the freezing temperatures shouldn’t keep you from exploring the picturesque Gamla Stan, you can always take refuge in one of many indoor attractions:

Check out Moderna Museet, a vast collection of modern and contemporary art housing lesser-known work from artists like Matisse and Picasso, or Vasa, a museum entirely centered around a well-preserved, 17th-century warship.

The ABBA Museum is another must-do while in Stockholm, a thrilling exhibit (and celebration) of Sweden’s greatest musical act, and don’t forget about the often-overlooked Stockholm Metro:

Lava-Shaped Metro Station In Stockholm, Sweden

‘Wait, the metro?’

Yes, the metro.

Forget about London’s dirty tube seats and the rampant pickpocketing plaguing the Paris underground: Stockholm’s is a literal gallery of surrealist art, with stations that have ceilings that look like boiling lava or spaceships and any other creative design in between.

We’re not talking about one or two stations: each of them has a particular, individual characteristic that sets them apart, with bright colors or psychedelic patterns, and the metro system itself is considered the world’s longest art gallery.

All we can say to you is happy exploring!

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New Direct Trains From Switzerland Will Connect To These 2 Stunning Cities In Italy

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Following Paris to Brussels for $10, Brussels to Venice overnight, in time for this year’s Carnival celebrations, and Amsterdam to Berlin for less than the price of a pint of beer and a schnitzel, Europe’s Train Renaissance saga continues with one of the most exciting launches just yet:

In the future, travelers will be able to journey from Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a popular destination for Americans in particular, all the way south to two of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities––and vice-versa.

New Trains To Launch From Zurich To Two Cities In Tuscany!

Train Traveling Through Switzerland

As Swiss Info reveals, Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia, the two national railway companies for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, will team up to bridge the existing gap between the Alps and the sun-drenched Tuscany.

More specifically, you’ll be able to travel from Zurich to the cities of Florence and Livorno by avoiding the chaotic airports altogether––and reducing your carbon footprint if that’s something you’re passionate about.

As of right now, train options between the Swiss metropolis and central-western Italy are scarce.

Unless you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, which in that case could run you up $414 on a one-way ticket alone on Swiss, you’re looking at either long layovers in Rome to cut costs, with ITA Airways (starting from $87), or multiple changes traveling land-side.

Aerial View Of Altstadt In Zurich, Switzerland

How Hard Is It To Travel By Train From Zurich To Florence Right Now?

The easiest way to go from Zurich to the heart of Tuscany involves at least 3 changes: Zurich to Bern, Bern to Brig, Brig to Milan, Milan to Florence, and if traveling onward to Livorno, Florence to Livorno.

That’s over 12 hours of travel with multiple transportation providers, and when combined, the overall price of tickets averages $120.

Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia have not yet decided on an official launch date for the much-anticipated Switzerland-Tuscany service, but we know the launch is already set to take place in 2026, so we’ll still need to wait a little longer until then.

A Woman Boarding A Train In Europe

Either way, that’s great news already for train enthusiasts, who are eager to swap the cumbersome baggage rules between different airlines and strict airport regulations for stress-free boarding, no extra charge for heavy luggage, and scenic views along the way.

How About Flying From Switzerland To Tuscany?

If you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, the flight itself may take only over an hour from takeoff to landing, but let’s not forget to factor in the two hours required at the airport for check-in and finding your gate, and commuting from the airport to city center when arriving at your destination.

Realistically, you’re looking at a total of 5 to 6 hours of traveling and travel-related activities.

flying and traveling, view from airplane window on the wing on sunset time

Meanwhile, the total uninterrupted driving distance between Zurich and Florence is 369 miles, translatable to around 6h30 on the road––considering a train can cover that distance at a higher speed, it’s not hard to see how going the railway way might be more appealing.

On top of the Zurich-Tuscany route, the Swiss Federal Railways have announced trains from the Swiss metropolis to Milan and Venice are also coming, and even a Rome route is on the cards.

Why Should These 3 Cities Be On Your Europe Itinerary?

Zurich
view of the city skyline in zurich switzerland with fraumunster church

More than a global hotspot for finance, Zurich is a cultural center backed by the majestic Swiss Alps, and lying at the north end of a turquoise Lake Zurich, a seriously underrated summer destination if crowding at the Mediterranean gets a bit much this year.

It is best known for its Altstadt (Old Town), where pedestrian-friendly lanes travel uphill, lined with storied edifices and raclette restaurants, as well as for its waterfront promenades, most notably the Limmatquai, following the course of a swan-navigated Limmat River.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Zurich while getting your daily exercise in, taking an e-bike tour along its picture-perfect alleys and squares bordered by laid-back cafes and Lake Zurich itself is a must, from only $21.58.

Florence
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy

The Renaissance capital of Europe, Florence straddles a fast-flowing Arno River, with its striking-red Brunelleschi Dome, the pinnacle of the marble-clad cathedral, rising high above an ocher-colored maze of medieval alleys.

The cathedral itself, or Duomo, its adjacent Baptistery and the sole-standing belfry, are easily three of Florence’s best-known landmarks, though other gems like Ponte Vecchio, a stone bridge that’s retained its medieval shops, and the 13th century House of Dante drawing in millions of visitors.

If you love art, Florence is definitely the place to be: its Galleria dell’Accademia hosts Michelangelo’s masterpiece ‘David’, and if you have some spare time to pay the Uffizi Gallery a visit, you will bear witness to Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’.

Livorno
Nuovo Venezia Canal In Livorno, Tuscany Coast Of Italy

A little-known fact for most is that Tuscany is not an inland region of Italy: while its cypress-tree-strewn, winding roads and idyllic countryside are gorgeous, the Tuscan Coast may even rival Cinque Terre, Amalfi, and the like in beauty, and Livorno is living proof of it:

A stunning port city protected by harbor side forts and filled with stately piazze and Renaissance-era monuments; we’d argue this is one of Italy’s unsung cultural gems: and the best part? Very few foreign tourists around, unlike Florence!

Three of our must-sees include Venezia Nuovo, evocative of Venice with its pastel-colored houses and footbridge-spanned canals, the checkerboard-paved Terrazza Mascagni, a promenade offering views of the Mediterranean, and the imposing Fortezza Vechia, built in the 16th century.

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Thailand’s Secret Island: This Turquoise Paradise Boasts Crowd-Free Beaches And Lavish Resorts

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Add Thailand to the list for overtourism. Europe may hog the spotlight with their global gripes demanding to have their beloved hometowns back, but Thailand is no stranger to busy streets and jam-packed beaches either.

Bangkok is and always will be a bustling city, but what may be surprising is the fact Phuket was recently crowned the most overcrowded tourist destination in the world.

Aerial view of Koh Kood's turquoise waters and lush canopy

The good news is Thailand is home to well over 1,000 islands, but there’s one in particular ready to embrace more tourists – and you’ve probably never heard of it.

While Koh Samui has also been thrown into the mix of no-go destinations, Koh Kood is the perfect alternative for crowd-free beaches and lavish resorts.

Plus, CNN and Thrillist just featured this turquoise paradise as one of Thailand’s most breathtaking beaches to avoid the crowds.

Reaching Koh Kood

You might be thinking to yourself, “where in the world is Koh Kood?”. Don’t worry; it’s not a treacherous journey.

Wooden pier above Koh Kood's crystalline waters

While it’s certainly not as easily connected as Phuket or Koh Samui, if it was, it could easily have the same overtourism problems as Thailand’s most popular islands.

But, with no airport and few ferry lines, Koh Kood has proudly held on to its ‘hidden gem’ status, a feat not easily done in this day and age of TikTokers and Instagrammers seemingly turning over every stone.

Like most adventures in Thailand, they start in Bangkok. From here, you’ll need to make your way to Trat, ideally by bus or by a quick flight (only served by Bangkok Airways).

Of course, you could also make a pit stop in Pattaya, Thailand’s revamped beach city, also embracing more tourists.

Travelers boarding Boonsiri catamaran

Any way you slice it, the stopping point is Trat, where you’ll hop aboard a couple of ferry or speedboat options or Boonsiri’s high-speed catamaran.

All are a straight shot to Koh Kood’s virtually untouched shores, so pristine it won’t seem real.

But first, Thai is a tough language. Koh Kood is also known as Koh Kut, so be mindful when choosing your transportation.

Koh Kood’s Stunning Nature: Visit One Of Thailand’s Prettiest Beaches

Thrillist just unveiled the ‘Best beaches in Thailand’, including one drop-dead gorgeous beach illuminating Koh Kood’s gleaming coasts.

Flowing waterfall in Koh Kood, Thailand

Standing in good company between Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi, among other lesser-known islands, sits Koh Kood’s Tha Pho Beach.

Here, you’ll find a real-life dream for pure serenity and some of the most photo-worthy shores in all of Thailand.

Thrillist highlights the beach’s soft ‘white sand’, ‘tranquil turquoise waters’, and a ‘thriving underwater ecosystem’ boasting an array of wildlife from barracudas to sea turtles, so prepare to go snorkeling!

While you’ll surely want to stick around Tra Pho a while soaking up every second you can, Koh Kood offers a multitude of jaw-dropping beaches to enjoy – many lined with swings and hammocks.

Tourist swinging on isolated beach in Koh Kood

Don’t sleep on the island’s lush jungles either, home to numerous flowing waterfalls crashing down into serene swimming holes.

If you time it right, you can have a private oasis in the middle of the jungle since tourists aren’t exactly flocking to Koh Kood like, say, Phuket.

Another hidden gem is what’s known as the Makka Tree. This 500-year-old tree is one of the most popular landmarks on the island for photo ops.

Who Needs Phuket When You Have Koh Kood’s Lavish Resorts?

Resort lounge chairs overlooking bay of Koh Kood

Phuket may top many-a bucket lists around the globe, but there are plenty of postcard-perfect beaches to splurge on ritzy resorts across Thailand.

Koh Kood may be off the radar for most, but the plus side is there are already many resorts to choose from to cap off an epic vacation.

You may need to scrounge your sofa for leftover change to scrape up enough dough to book a room at Koh Kood’s nicest resort, 5-star Soneva Kiri, running upwards of $1,500 per night.

However, there are many other grand stays along some of Thailand’s most scenic shores, like the easy-to-remember Koh Kood Resort or Tinkerbell Resort.

Beachside dinner at Koh Kood resort

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 resorts in Koh Kood right now: (based on travelers’ ratings)

  1. High Season Pool Villa & Spa
  2. Shantaa Koh Kood
  3. Soneva Kiri
  4. Koh Kood Beach Resort
  5. Tolani Resort Koh Kood

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