Archives February 2025

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Mexico may be particularly famous for the sun-drenched Caribbean Coast, where resorts line white-sand beaches and turquoise seas, its rich Mayan heritage, and bustling capital city, but there’s still a lot about America’s southern neighbor tourists don’t know yet.

This is, after all, one of the largest and most diverse countries in the Western Hemisphere, and you’d be a fool to think Cancun, or even Mexico City, are representative of Mexico as a whole.

To the surprise of industry experts, this year, a growing number of Americans is actively bypassing the usual tourism hotspots, and are flocking instead to this secret destination that rarely ever features on travel brochures.

Though it’s hardly your typical vacation, the offbeat San Luis Potosí offers both low prices and a fascinating culture, and it’s seeing a significant increase in arrivals:

San Luis Potosí Is Rising Fast In Popularity With Americans

According to Claudia Lorena Peralta Antiga, the head of the City Council’s Tourism Directorate, visitors from the United States lead in numbers of foreign entrants to San Luis Potosí, followed by Colombians and Canadians.

This can easily be attributed to the city’s rising appeal among culture-hungry Americans, who are no longer drawn to the all-inclusive vacation model and are in search of more authentic experiences in non-touristy areas.

Additionally, Mrs Antiga pointed to the recent expansion of air connectivity at San Luis Potosí International Airport (SLP): it is now connected to Houston (IAH) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) in Texas, as well as Atlanta (ATL) and San Antonio (SAT).

On top of that, negotiations are being held right now with four airlines interested in the San Luis Potosí-McAllen-McAllen route, though further information has not been divulged at this point.

Why Do Americans Love San Luis Potosí So Much?

A major city in central Mexico, with a population just shy of hitting the 1 million mark, San Luis Potosí (or SLP) is a hugely important financial and trade hub, due to its strategic location halfway between Mexico City and the U.S. border.

Contrary to Monterrey, however, that’s largely known for its manufacturing industries, SLP has an understated elegance, and historical charm you won’t find in most New World cities.

For starters, it is home to a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of a historic center, dotted with colonial landmarks built as far back as the 17th century:

The most famous monument in town, the cathedral has been compared to Mexico City’s and Guadalajara’s in beauty: it has a distinct pink-quarry facade, and its richly-decorated interiors will leave you awestruck.

Nearby, the verdant Jardín de San Francisco is a green oasis centered around a beautiful fountain and bordered by palatial Spanish-era structures, including three Baroque churches and the regional Positano Museum, housed in what was once a Franciscan monastery.

A short 3-minute walk from the gardens, the historically significant Caja Real is a surviving remnant of the now-defunct Viceroyalty of New Spain. It’s where merchants would line up to pay their taxes to the Spanish Crown in gold and silver.

There are numerous other beautiful buildings to be admired in the compact, walkable center, from a Neoclassical Teatro de la Paz, to the picture-perfect low houses lining Universidad Street, distinguished by their bright hues and ornate window frames.

How Actually Cheap Is San Luis Potosí?

If you were looking for an affordable Mexico getaway that won’t break the bank, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

In general, meals in a locally-run restaurant will cost you $8.78, based on Numbeo estimates, while 3-course presentations in an upscale downtown eatery for two people are likely to set them back $39.

The price range is reasonable as it is, but even if you’re on a super-strict budget, you don’t need to look beyond the Old Town to stretch those dollars further:

An 8-minute stroll from the zócalo, Café Corta’o is a no-frills coffee shop housed in a colonial, vividly jaune edifice serving hearty breakfast menus and natural juices for around $7.

For quesadillas, gorditas, and chilaquiles paired with homemade sauce, El Mesón de San Pascual is popular for its variety of dishes and accessible prices, with main dishes from as cheap as $5, or the equivalent in pesos.

From 8 AM to 8 PM every day, you can also pay the vibrant Mercado Hidalgo a visit, sitting on the namesake street, and criss-crossed with rows of street food, and fresh produce stalls––don’t leave without trying the local machitos tacos!

They’re made from orange juice and vinegar-marinated sheep (or goat) offal, and they’re absolutely delicious.

How About Hotels?

As for accommodation, MarinaCristina is a 3-star accommodation provider billing guests $60-a-night for a single room right in the center of town.

The even-cheaper Patio Zaragoza costs $51 to book as a single traveler, and we’re talking a double bed only meters away from the cathedral, and with breakfast included.

If you’re a faithful Marriott customer, you’ll be glad to know the City Centro by Marriott has spacious King Rooms from only $100––as well as rooftop pool with amazing views of the Old Town.

On average, tourists will spend between $55 and $103 per night on accommodation, according to Budget Your Trip.

Vinicius Costa

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

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As Florida hotels begin to fill up for March and April as Spring Breakers prepare to flock the Sunshine State’s Caribbean-like shores, Alabama makes for a great alternative with Gulf Shores leading the way.

With the popular beach town’s airport now beginning to offer commercial flights for the first time ever, it’s expected many travelers will take advantage to avoid Florida’s crowds, but this will surely create more crowds here as well.

The good news is Alabama’s coastline is among the most underrated in the nation with other idyllic hideaways such as Orange Beach and Fairhope hidden in plain sight.

Venturing a little deeper on the flip side of Mobile Bay lies a gleaming white-sand island, undoubtedly Alabama’s top hidden gem for your next beach vacation.

Alabama‘s ‘Sunset Capital’

The barrier island of Dauphin Island, not to be confused with how my niece pronounces “dolphin”, lies a few miles south of Mobile Bay along the Gulf of…America?

This scenic spot consists mostly of locals who wave goodbye to the hordes of vacationers in Gulf Shores in favor of this secret slice of paradise lined with bright white sand beaches along crystal blue waters crashing ashore.

According to Southern Living, Dauphin Island is the ‘Sunset Capital’ of Alabama. Whether it be lounging along Dauphin Island Public Beach, mingling with locals at the Dauphin Marina, or booking a boat tour, one thing you can’t miss is witnessing this cozy town of 2,000 residents illuminate orange come sundown.

The island reaches peak levels of visitors during summer, so spring is an excellent time to visit with splendid temps between 68 – 81 °F from March to May.

Wide-Open Beaches & Waterfront Cottages

Given how Dauphin Island is a beautiful well-kept secret, the results are wide open spaces from the “action” of town to the far-end West End Beach, where visitors will find bright white sugary sand.

Just south of the island is yet another remote retreat, Pelican Peninsula, holding a near-perfect 4.8 Google rating, where one recent visitor hinted, “A must visit early in the morning is the best”.

But the most popular of the island is the aforementioned Dauphin Island Public Beach and the easiest to reach.

The town’s often overlooked parks shouldn’t be missed either, whether it’s the staggering oak trees of Cadillac Square or tranquil kayaking explorations of Aloe Bay.

While you may find towering ritzy condos in Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island is more about down-home charm with plentiful cozy stays along the beach.

You’ll find numerous cottages and bed & breakfasts along the Gulf, such as Whale of a Tale, Inn at Dauphin Island, and Dauphin Island Harbor House.

The food scene is nothing to sleep on either with incredible seafood selections anchoring extensive menus — all authentic Mom n’ Pop style eateries like Pirate’s Bar & Grill; no eyesore chains in sight.

Dauphin Island’s Fascinating Historical Attractions

The South comes with the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to its deeply-rooted history.

Yes, some areas proudly boast Rebel Flags, while other delightful towns couldn’t be more welcoming, and that’s the category Dauphin Island belongs.

People couldn’t be more welcoming and seem to truly love their hidden beach town and proudly showcase some fascinating historical attractions ranging from archaeological sites to significant Civil War sites.

Fort Gaines is open to the public and offers sweeping views of the bay and Gulf. Guests can book an insightful tour of the well-preserved grounds of one of the most important sites of the Battle of Mobile Bay, where you can still see original cannons, tunnels, living quarters, and various remnants housed in the museum.

Another cool spot and unlike any other in the region is Indian Shell Mound Park. This archaeological site is home to prehistoric shell mounds, ancient trees, and some of the best hikes of Dauphin Island.

This indigenous site served Native communities centuries ago and still holds up today with leftover mounds of oyster shells to get a glimpse into the past of former ways of life.

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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Not that travelers need the return of The White Lotus to entice them to visit Thailand’s wondrous islands, but it’s undeniably a selling point.

According to HomeToGo, Bangkok alone is seeing a 271% increase based on the show alone, but it’s the islands that are a mega draw this spring.

National Geographic has compiled an insightful list of Thailand’s top islands to visit this spring.

Whether you’re solely looking to visit The White Lotus filming locations or simply seeking to vacation in an underrated paradisal escape, Nat Geo is banking on these 4 islands to hit the mark for an epic trip, ranging from one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations to lesser-known crowd-free hideaways.

4) Koh Lipe: The Anti-Phuket

If you’re trying to say Phuk-et to Phuket, Koh Lipe is just the place. Truth be told, Thailand’s most renowned island has become too popular.

So much so it was given the title of most overcrowded destination last year, with what’s essentially an endless array of island escapes, Thailand beholds some truly hidden gems off the radar of mainstream travelers.

Koh Lipe boasts stunning beaches just as pretty as Phuket’s, but they are far more enjoyable and peaceful without the hordes of tourists cramping your space.

The only challenge is getting here, and you can earn an extra passport stamp doing so. Your best option is to depart from a Malaysian ferry that runs until June.

Once here, you’ll find cheap beachside shacks serving as bars, crystal-clear waters, and sugary white sand that you can have all to yourself some days, as many tourists still don’t know of Koh Lipe’s wonders.

3) Koh Tao: Adventure Is Calling

Every traveler has their own version of paradise. Some picture lounging at the beach all day with a cocktail in hand; others want to soak up every minute in go-go-go fashion, never wanting to rest.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with lounging beachside, Koh Tao invites travelers to explore the pristine waters as one of Thailand’s top diving destinations.

Below the surface, divers will find vibrant reefs and colorful schools of fish, among other marine life.

Better yet, it’s ultra cheap. How about a stay at Ban’s Diving Resort for just $11 per night?

Should you want to level up, though, there is a 4-star resort with a hefty price point — Haad Tien Beach Resort.

2) Koh Pha-Ngan: Thailand’s Most Underrated Island For Nightlife

The thing about Thailand is that even with well over 1,000 islands to its name, there’s something truly unique about each of them.

For Kho Pha-Ngan, Phuket’s underrated nightlife scene typically draws visitors. But hey, if unsightly crowds are your jam, then go ahead and cross “Phuket” off your list.

If not, then Kho Pha-Ngan is the place to be with monthly dusk-to-dawn ragers like the famous Full Moon Party and live music gatherings at The Jam Bar.

Oddly enough, it’s also the ultimate place to relax and recharge. Much needed after staying up all night.

The oldest temple on the island, Wat Phu Khao Noi is the perfect setting for photo-ops and open for meditations.

The best way to get here is by a quick ferry from Koh Samui.

1) Koh Samui: White Lotus Lovers Unite! (With A Catch)

Many scenes of The White Lotus were shot right here in Koh Samui, but this stunning island was one of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations even before the popularity of the show.

So much so Koh Samui has been publicized in multiple overtourism articles, including Fodor’s ‘do not visit’ list for 2025.

Who you listen to is your choice, though. There’s no denying the appeal The White Lotus has sparked, and the truth is most travelers will want to go to the heart of the action.

According to Nat Geo, the Four Seasons Resort was one of Season 3’s top filming locations, but you’ll have to fork over a pretty penny to stay here as rates soar over $2,000 per night!

There are much cheaper stays like Coco Palm Beach Resort, Ko Samui for just $73 this spring. And despite the unavoidable crowds given the newfound fame of the island, the beaches are still drop-dead gorgeous as are the numerous Buddha monuments, and cascading waterfalls in the lush jungles.

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

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Every year, Mexico seems to be all the rage as if Cancun is the only place suitable for an epic vacation.

But, what’s essentially next door in terms of air travel lies an endless array of vacation options from bustling cities like Panama City, the natural wonders of Costa Rica, newfound hotspots like El Salvador, and historic towns and undiscovered beaches of Nicaragua, perhaps the most overlooked destination of Central America.

Well, there’s no need to overlook it any longer, as Nicaragua just became easier to reach with a new flight from a major U.S. airport.

As Costa Rica was just issued a travel alert, including the main airport, maybe it’s a sign from the travel gods to scope out more of Central America’s hidden gems, and what better starting point than Nicaragua’s sprawling capital city of Managua?

Nicaragua: Central America’s Most Underrated Country

Nicaragua is no one-trick pony; it’s among the most diverse nations of Central America with world-class beaches, lush tropical jungles, islands you’ve never heard of, and timeless towns well worth making your base.

In fact, the general consensus of travelers who’ve visited will tell you to skip the major cities of Managua and Leon in favor of charming villages and laid-back coastal hideaways such as resort-lined San Juan del Sur.

Most travelers, including expats and digital nomads, find themselves in the vibrant Colonial town of Granada, surrounded by numerous lakes and staggering volcanoes in the distance.

Of course, the biggest appeal is Granada’s affordability, especially for long-term stays. Although, short-terms guests can score cheap hostels in the $10 range and private Airbnb’s for $40 (just watch out for sneaky fees like charging for electricity!).

**NOTE: When entering Nicaragua, you are required to pay a $10 fee per visitor that MUST be paid in USD CASH. Don’t expect them to have change, and they do not accept any other form of payment**

Nicaragua’s Secret Caribbean Islands

Like Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica, Nicaragua boasts a Pacific coastline as well as the Caribbean, and that’s where you’ll find some truly stunning islands no one ever seems to talk about.

Although having a funny name, there’s nothing corny about The Corn Islands. Set in the Caribbean off the coast from Bluefields, these blips in the sea are the ultimate Caribbean hideaway for those seeking untouched shores and virtually no crowds like you’ll find in Jamaica, The Bahamas, and of course the always-popular Mexican Caribbean.

The turquoise waters are as pristine as it gets for snorkeling, diving, swimming, or simply relaxing among one of the Caribbean’s most underrated backdrops.

There are multiple hotels and rentals, but no flashy resorts like you might envision for a Caribbean vacation.

The cuisine here is sensational, especially when sitting beachside overlooking turquoise waters and paying bottom-barrel prices like you will at Bar Beach Bar Vybz, walkable from a cozy stay at top-rated Villy’s Cottage.

Avianca’s New Flight To Managua

Avianca is one of Latin America’s top airlines and they have recently announced a major expansion into North American markets.

As such, a new flight to Managua is one of the most anticipated as there were only a pair of U.S. airports directly serving Nicaragua as Spirit Airlines has continually cancelled routes.

To be fair, Spirit does say they have been planning on re-booting their sole Managua route from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), but as someone who has purchased this flight multiple times, the controversial budget airline who is in the midst of deeply-rooted bankruptcy concerns has only pushed the goal posts further back.

Travelers shouldn’t have the same trust issues with Avianca, who will begin serving Fort Lauderdale for the first time in its history.

These are the only 3 U.S. airports directly serving Managua, Nicaragua (MGA) in 2025:

• Miami (MIA) – American Airlines, Avianca
• Houston (HOU) – United Airlines
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Avianca (beginning May 10), Spirit Airlines (seasonally)

Is Nicaragua Safe?

Like any travel advisory, they should be taken seriously but also not serve as a blanket statement.

Truth is crime can happen anywhere, even in destinations deemed as safe havens like Cancun.

The difference with Nicaragua is their government, which is notoriously strict. It’s reasonable to say that you’ll want to avoid any unfortunate run-ins.

A new travel advisory was issued on December 13th, 2024, for such concerns, highlighting ‘arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability.’

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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Mexico is famous for many things. It’s ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and delicious food immediately spring to mind.

But perhaps the most iconic Mexican attraction is the nation’s beautiful beaches.  

Mexico’s beaches offer an incredible mix of white sand, idyllic Caribbean waters, and fierce Pacific waves.

You can choose from remote beaches with nothing but seascape for miles or fully equipped beaches with bars, beach beds, and everything else you need for a great day out. 

So which are the best of the best?  

TripAdvisor has unveiled their Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches in Mexico, and these are the top five:  

5. Playa el Chileno, Cabo San Lucas 

In fifth place is Playa el Chileno, located in Cabo San Lucas.

This is considered one of the most swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, which means it attracts both families and watersports enthusiasts.  

There’s a dive shop located on the beach, so if you want to try your hand at diving or snorkeling then you’ll have everything you need on hand.  

You’ll find a lovely mix of locals and tourists here, creating a relaxed and low-key vibe.

This beach is immaculately cleaned, and the facilities are well cared for, too. It’s a great choice for a water-focused day out.  

Getting to the beach is easy, too. If you hire a car or take a taxi, the beach is a straightforward 15-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Via public transport, you can take the Supercabos bus to the beach entrance. 

4. Playa El Cielo, Cozumel 

Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches but the one that really stands out from the crowd is Playa El Cielo.  

Like all of the beaches on this list Playa El Cielo is a spectacular, visually stunning beach.

But what really makes this beach stand out from the crowd is what lies beneath.  

This is an incredible beach for snorkeling and home to an abundance of sea life. Stingrays and starfish, in particular, call this area home, but you can also find turtles here.  

It’s worth noting that the only way to get to El Cielo beach is by boat. You can take a combined boat ride and snorkeling tour of the beach with El Cielo snorkel tours.

These trips cost $69 per adult.  

3. Balandra Beach, La Paz 

Balandra Beach is a wonderfully unique horseshoe shaped beach located just outside of La Paz on the Baja California Sur peninsula.  

You’ll find crystal clear, shallow water here, so much so that you can walk from one side of the bay to the other without needing to swim.  

Its shallow waters make it a great place for swimming and snorkeling, and the rocky landscape surrounding the bay provides an incredible vantage point from which to appreciate the beauty of the undulating sand just beneath the water.  

In fact, Balandra Beach is so special and unique that, due to its natural beauty and biodiversity, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

2. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres 

Playa Norte is the main beach on Isla Mujeres, which is a small tropical island paradise just off the coast of Cancun.

This is a wide expanse of breathtakingly beautiful beach, considered one of Mexico’s most visually stunning.  

The sand here has an unusual tinge of pink as it is actually formed by crushed coral. This pink tone is even more visible at the shoreline when the sand is wet.  

One of the things that makes Playa Norte so appealing is that the water is so shallow: even if you keep wading out, it will only reach your waist.

This makes it a great spot for intergenerational vacations, as it’s great for swimming and for children to play.  

Getting to Playa Norte is a breeze too. Take a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Ultramar, which costs $14.50 per adult.  

1. Playa Delfines, Cancun 

According to TripAdvisor, Playa Delfines is officially the best beach in Mexico. It isn’t the most well-known beach in Cancun, but it’s well worth making the time to visit.  

When you imagine a picture-perfect beach, Playa Delfines is probably what you’re imagining. This is a free public beach that offers amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

In fact, it’s a rare free beach in the Hotel Zone amongst a sea of private hotel beaches.  

The sand here is a vibrant, bright white, and the water is a perfect turquoise blue. As an added bonus, this is where you’ll find the giant iconic ‘Cancun’ sign, an essential photo spot.  

Getting here is easy too. You can either jump in a taxi or if you’re on a tighter budget then the R-1, R-2, or R-27 city buses all go to the beach from downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone.  

Tor Brierley

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.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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