Archives February 2025

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Last Updated 23 hours ago

While most Americans venturing south of the border will find themselves in Cancun, Cabo, or Mexico City, there’s another historic city that’s becoming far easier to reach this year.

Better yet, it’s on very few travelers’ radars, so you don’t have to deal with the headache of tourist crowds and inauthentic experiences.

Not only will travelers have 4 U.S. airports in total to choose from, but also 3 different airlines, including American.

Boasting Old World charm with centuries-old structures, San Luis Potosi is a sight to behold not only for its timeless treasures but its relatively undiscovered natural attractions too.

Best of all, this under-hyped city is one of Mexico’s safest destinations, making it all the more enjoyable to explore now that there are more ways to get here.

Why Visit San Luis Potosi?

Mexico used to be solely viewed as a beach destination by Americans, but Mexico City has since soared to new heights.

Following suit, places like Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca have become popular city breaks in their own right.

Some travelers have felt they’ve worn out their welcome in Oaxaca and Mexico City, in particular, as overtourism concerns have been well-documented.

When it comes to Mexico’s hidden gems, there’s more authenticity, better prices, and less crowds standing in your way,

San Luis Potosi certainly fits the mold. Not only can you explore charming cobbled streets and historic marvels, you can score the luxe Hilton San Luis Potosi for just $87 this spring.

The one must-see in the city center is the unmissable San Luis Potosi Cathedral, which has been anchoring the vibrant cityscape since 1593.

There are numerous postcard-worthy plazas to wander while you’re here, such as Plaza Fundadores and Plaza de Aranzazu.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying Bocoles or Enchiladas Potasinas, a pair of regional favorites.

Waterfalls & Vivid Lakes: Discover San Luis Potosi’s Natural Attractions

To most, Mexico is a mix of paradisal beach towns, culturally rich cities, and a handful of no-go zones.

While this is certainly true, what people sleep on is Mexico’s astounding nature aside from the aforementioned beach havens.

You might not think of Mexico as the place to go chasing waterfalls, but San Luis Potosi is just the place, actually.

La Huasteca Potosina is home to cascading falls like Tamul Waterfall, and crystal-clear rivers, swimming holes, and breathtaking cave systems.

There are ample tours to book from the city. Ruta Huasteca Expediciones is rated #1 on TripAdvisor.

New Volaris Flights

I might be a little biased since I live close to the border, but Volaris is one of my top go-to’s for cheap flights, especially since it seems they run insanely cheap sales every month.

Mexico City-based Volaris connects almost anywhere in Mexico, but they are slowly but surely expanding their presence in the U.S., giving Americans the opportunity to explore what seems like uncharted territory for the average traveler.

According to their website, Mexico’s top low-cost carrier just announced 30 new flights, but the most exciting ones connect a trio of Texas cities to San Luis Potosi (SLP).

Volaris is launching new flights from San Antonio (SAT), Houston (IAH), and Dallas (DFW) in July, with expected service three times per week for SAT and IAH and four flights per week for DFW.

New Aeromexico Flight

If you haven’t heard of Volaris, that’s okay. Surely, you’ve heard of Mexico’s flagship airline, Aeromexico.

Following Volaris’ unintentional Southern theme, another city from the South is getting a direct flight to San Luis Potosi.

Beginning June 5, 2025, Aeromexico will begin operating daily flights to SLP from Atlanta (ATL).

If you’ve never flown with Aeromexico before, know they are a SkyTeam member, making connections via Delta easy peasy.

U.S. Airlines Flying To San Luis Potosi

While Volaris and Aeromexico may be gaining the attention with new flights, American Airlines and United Airlines are the only U.S.-based carriers offering direct flights to SLP.

For what it’s worth, both of these Mexican airlines are deemed safe; otherwise, they wouldn’t have clearance for American skies.

But earning points can be tough, especially for Volaris. In that case, going with United or American is surely your best bet, given that they currently offer flights from Dallas and Houston, two of Volaris’ new destinations.

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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Last Updated 13 mins ago

As convenient as air travel may be, and as awesome as it is to snag a window seat at cruising altitude, the truth is we have no idea if we’re looking down at Paris, Texas or Paris, France.

As a result, train travel has become more popular for the adventurous, with the U.S. taking a page out of Europe’s playbook.

However, we’re a little behind the times for bullet trains.

But that’s just the point.

More travelers seem to be opting for low-and-slow travel by hitting the rails for sweeping views of America’s gorgeous landscapes and timeless small towns instead of soaring above the clouds.

‘America the Beautiful’ lives up the name with numerous scenic train rides across the mainland and National Geographic has narrowed them down the best routes.

These are the top 3 U.S. train rides for 2025:

3) Acela Express: A 150MPH East Coast Adventure

Commercial jets can fly as fast as 575mph, but why deal with the hassle of the airport when you can still reach your destination in a reasonable time?

Train stations are far less of a hassle. When you can still reach speeds of 150mph, Amtrak’s Acela Express is a speedy journey to explore some of the East Coast’s most iconic cities.

Covering Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and ultimately Washington DC, you can knock 4 urban jungles well worth a day trip at the very least.

You gotta grab a cheesesteak in Philly, right?

As such, the downside (or upside), depending on your preferred style of travel, is passengers need to purchase a ticket for each leg of the trip. (i.e. Boston to New York, New York to Philly, etc.)

According to Nat Geo, tickets start at $130, and the trip to Washington, D.C., from Boston takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Acela Express amenities for Business/First Class:

• Choose your seat
• Fewer stops
• Don’t rush; Arrive at the station minutes before departure
• Electrical outlets and conference tables
• Adjustable lighting and large tray tables
• Wi-Fi equipped

2) California Zephyr: An Epic Journey From The Midwest To The Bay

Again, a route connecting a pair of American icons, Amtrak’s California Zephyr is one you’ll have to plan well ahead as it truly is ‘low and slow’ as mentioned before.

Taking 51 hours in total, you’ll want to download some movies and pack a new book or two. That is unless you’re into the new “raw dogging” trend taking social media by storm.

Yeah…good luck with that. One thing you won’t have to worry about is food. The dining car even serves steak!

Departing from Chicago to, you guessed it, California, you’ll want to take advantage of the option to choose a window when purchasing your ticket as you’ll cross some of America’s prettiest landscapes from the snow-capped Rockies to Utah’s fiery red canyons.

Ultimately, you’ll reach Emeryville, a small town outside of Oakland, which you’ll surely bypass for much more opportune explorations in San Francisco and San Jose.

According to Nat Geo, tickets start at $150.

Amenities vary by cart. For full descriptions of seating and accommodations ranging from Coach Class to Superliner Family Bedrooms, click here.

1) Rocky Mountaineer: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Train Ride

With domed-glass carriages, and as soft and cushy as the seats may be, you may want to pack a neck pillow as you’ll be glued to seemingly never-ending floor-to-ceiling views of magnificent canyons, picturesque ghost towns, and even wineries, as you snake along the winding Colorado River.

The Rocky Mountaineer is perhaps the most unique train journey in America, and without a doubt a bucket-list item.

This train offers 4 routes:

1. First Passage to the West (Canada)
2. Journey Through the Clouds (Canada)
3. Rainforest to Gold Rush (Canada)
4. Rockies to the Red Rocks (U.S)

Obviously, Nat Geo is recommending the ladder, crowning the Rockies to the Red Rocks as the best train ride in the U.S.

The route covers stunning natural formations and staggering mountains from Moab, Utah to Denver, Colorado.

On board, passengers will find a savory menu of locally-sourced cuisine and signature cocktails.

There is a fun overnight pit stop in Glenwood Springs where passengers are provided a hotel within the hefty ticket price of $1,725.

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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Have you had enough of the crazy world of politics back home, or you’re simply craving a break from the gloomy weather and monotonous suburban life?

Man, we feel you.

It feels as if everything we can think of lately is relocating somewhere the sun is (almost) always shining, rows upon rows of palm trees extend as far as the eyes can see, unfolding along virgin white sands, and the cost of living isn’t sky-high.

You know where we’re going with this: there’s no better place to be at this very minute than the balmy tropics, but in case nobody ever told you, moving abroad, however temporarily, does not come without its bureaucratic hurdles.

From visa applications to meeting financial thresholds for emigrating, leaving the States for the season can be a grueling task for most, but there are select destinations in the Global South that welcome all Americans, regardless of social or economic background, with very few requirements.

In fact, these 5 destinations accept U.S. passport holders for up to 6 uninterrupted completely visa-free, if, you know, you’re ever in need:

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

A no-brainer for sunseekers and long-term travelers alike, Playa Del Carmen is a convenient Mexican Caribbean town to relocate due to its well-established expat community, great infrastructure for digital nomads, amazing weather and low criminality.

It is characterized by its scenic, reef-bounded main beach, and the busy Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian thoroughfare running adjacent to the coastal promenade, where all the best shops, restaurants, and coworking venues are.

It’s not somewhere you go on an overly strict budget (Airbnb prices go from $1,059 to $2,006 when renting monthly), though the $8 taco servings at Taquería Los Compas and the $ 20-day passes for some of the best-equipped local gyms will help offset accommodation costs.

The best part is that, unlike most destinations worldwide, Playa Del Carmen is not eager to send Americans back where they came from after only a couple of weeks: they get to stay (in Mexico as a whole) for 6 months by virtue of being U.S. citizens alone, completely visa-free.

Caye Caulker, Belize

A tiny Caribbean island off the coast of Belize, an equally-offbeat country just south of Mexico many Americans have only vaguely heard of, Caye Caulker is a paradisiacal sunny getaway that’s certain to appeal to nature lovers keen on beating the crowds.

Picture virgin-white sands hugged by warm, teal waters, rows upon rows of giant palm trees lining the shoreline, and a plethora of diving sites, including the world-famous Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, which borders the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere.

There’s more: you can book an entire fully-furnished studio right on the beachfront in Caye Caulker village, the island’s only settlement, for $1,806-a-month––not a big ask, considering the level of exclusivity–-and as an American, you get to stay for 180 days.

Belize has a very generous visa policy towards U.S. passport holders, and it has established that, so long as they’re not carrying out paid work with a Belize-originating source of income (in other words, no looking for side gigs while in the country!), they can stay half a year visa-free.

Cartagena, Colombia

A much-overlooked gem––and one that’s not as expensive as the previous option––Cartagena is one of the oldest European-built cities in Colombia, with a rich history dating back to the Age of Discoveries and a vibrant port city:

La Ciudad Amurallada, comprises a walled, colonial-era center where cobbled streets are lined with brightly-painted facades, while the contrastingly-modern Bocagrande district has skyscrapers casting shadows on a long waterfront.

Between taking day trips out to the unspoiled Islas del Rosario, with their powdered-sugar sands, and gorging on fresh seafood in the picturesque Old Town for under $6, chances are you’ll end up falling in love with Cartagena’s unique blend of Caribbean slow life and Old World charm.

Guess it’s lucky for you Colombia allows Americans to stay for six months in total, with a slight caveat: you’ll be getting a free, 90-day stay upon arrival, and in order to stay the full 180 days, you’ll need to apply for a formal extension for around US$30 (find out how here).

En Tuco, El Salvador

Before you scroll down to the comment section to decry the inclusion of El Salvador on this list, have you heard the country is now among the safest destinations in Central America (if not the Americas, in general) thanks to the sitting President’s tough stance on crime?

That being said, onto El Tunco: what a gorgeous little coastal community, with an astounding natural beauty, thriving surfing and backpacking scene, and incredibly friendly locals, and just what you need to slow it down a notch coming from a bustling American metropolis.

The beach itself is highly sought-after by surfers, largely thanks to its epic waves, but as a foodie on a budget, you’re definitely in for a treat, from the charming creekside Dale Dale Cafe, where they serve top-grade ceviche to the locally-run Restaurant Cristy, your go-to spot for $1 takeout pupusas.

And guess what? Not only are Airbnbs fairly affordable, with month-long rental starting from $457, U.S. citizens are allowed to stay in El Salvador for 180 full days––unlike in Colombia, no need to request extensions while inside the country!

Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Bocas Town, as it is known among locals, this is a laid-back coastal settlement on the southernmost end of Isla Colón, one of those many unheard-of dots in the Caribbean you’d miss out entirely had you not zoomed in on the map, and an expat heaven waiting to be discovered.

The sheltered Starfish Beach is truly one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen, with––of course––dozens of colorful starfish swimming near the crystal-clear shoreline.

If you’re looking to take up surfing as a hobby, you should check out Bluff Beach, which is to the east of Boca.

In the heart of town, there is a grid of lively streets bordered by local businesses, artisan shops, and authentic, family-owned Panamanian restaurants (can you smell the tortillas and pot paellas yet?). It’s arguably inexpensive by tropical island standards, with foreigners spending $2,200 a month.

Oh, and as a citizen of the U.S. of A, you’re granted the privilege of staying in Panamanian territory for an uninterrupted 180 days––a privilege that, we must add, is only extended to Canadians! Europeans, we’re sorry, but you only get 3 months.

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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We all know Spain for its scenic Mediterranean coast, interspersed with vibrant resort cities and hugged by crystal-clear seas, but if you’ve been to the Iberian country in the past three or four years, you’ve probably noticed how shockingly expensive and busy it’s become.

From an average overnight rate of $201 in Barcelona to unsustainable levels of overtourism in the trendy vacation island of Mallorca, where anti-tourist sentiment has been dangerously brewing, we wouldn’t be the first in line to board that flight.

Luckily, there’s an exciting Spain dupe tucked away in the much more offbeat, lesser-known Southeastern corner of Europe causing quite the commotion lately, and if we must add, it’s way cheaper and less crowded:

Bulgaria Is All The Rage This Year!

When you think of Bulgaria, you probably conjure up images of wintry landscapes, Soviet-style concrete blocks, and Orthodox piousness.

While there is some truth to that, something most people don’t know is that it turns into a summer paradise in the warmer months.

Were you even aware that Bulgaria’s coastline on the Black Sea extends for an uninterrupted 235 miles and is lined with quaint beach towns that just couldn’t be further apart from the stereotypical grayed-out, war-torn version of Eastern Europe?

Or that, for instance, it’s about as warm as the Mediterranean, if not warmer?

We kid you not:

Some cities along the coast have an average daily maximum of 84.2°F and lows of 66.2°F, and if you’re pondering whether to pack an extra jumper or two ‘just in case’ it gets chilly, baby, you better save space in your carry-on for some more swim shorts instead.

Not to brag, but no other travel news website stays on top of travel trends like Travel Off Path, and we reported a couple of years ago on how the Black Sea is a new Mediterranean in the making, and we’re glad to see others are finally catching on:

Why This Lesser-Known Country Is So Trendy Right Now

• It’s cheaper
• It’s beautiful
• It’s not as crowded

This year, The New York Times featured this part of the world in their list of ‘best places to travel’ in 2025, while CEO for Europe-based travel agency TUI was recorded stating Bulgaria ‘could rival holiday hotspots such as Mallory and Menorca’ in summer.

Newcomers are also taking to social media in droves to showcase Bulgaria’s beauty: on TikTok alone, the hashtag #bulgaria alone has racked up over 2.5 million posts.

Users will share their captures of sandy beaches, sleepy coastal villages that seem frozen in time, and stunning nature yet to meet the spoils of mass tourism.

Some of the most popular TikTok’s, however, refer to Bulgaria’s affordability as a beach destination, compared to Spain, Italy or Greece.

This post by TikTok user @heroiisa in particular highlights Varna as an inexpensive summer getaway, where accommodation prices range from only $8 to $30-a-night, meals cost between $5 and $12 in local restaurants, and the beaches look untarnished, with crystal-clear waters:

@heroiisa

BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE TO VARNA, BULGARIA✈️ Varna is one of the best places to visit when you are young and on a budget!✨ All prices are in USD and based on a realistic budget for BUDGET travelers in Varna, Bulgaria💸 🏨Accommodation: $8 to $30/night per person if you stay in a hostel dorm or share an apartment or a double room in a cheap guesthouse/hotel with someone. This depends on the season, the lower end of the prices is for shoulder season (April-June or September-October) and the higher end for high season (July-August). 🍛Food: there are plenty of options for $5 to $12/meal. If you cook, you can do it even cheaper than this! ☀️Activities: $0-20 depending on what you want to do! I didn’t spend much money on activities in Varna because there are many free things to do but there are also some paid activities you can do depending on your budget. 🚌Getting there: You can get to Varna by bus or train from other popular Bulgarian destinations and cities like Sofia, Burgas, or Plovdiv. Bus and train tickets depend on the route but are usually very affordable ($2-12). ✈️Flights: When it comes to flights, you can fly into Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna from many European cities with Ryanair or Wizz Air and then take public transportation to Varna. It’s also an option to fly somewhere else in the Balkans and take public transportation from there if you have time for a longer trip.

♬ boom clap speed up – 𝟑𝟎𝟑 rostaaa🪐

That’s an account by a single traveler, but Budget Your Trip, our own preferred platform for tracking prices across different countries, corroborates that Bulgaria is indeed on the cheaper end when it comes to summer destinations.

More specifically, tourists will spend an average $27 on meals per day, unless they’re traveling luxuriously (in that case, they should budget $73), and $72 on hotels, for total week-long travel expenses of $1,076 for two people (or the equivalent in Bulgarian lev).

Where To Go In Bulgaria In Summer?

• Sunny Beach
• Nessebar
• Varna
• Burgas
• Sveti Vlas

There are countless world-class destinations to pick from if you’re skipping Spain and heading to Bulgaria this year.

If you seek Old World charm and culture, visit the picture-perfect, cobbled Nessebar. This walled city occupies the end of a narrow peninsula and has a rich history dating back several millennia and comprising periods of Thracian, Greek, and Roman rule.

Its ensemble of Byzantine churches and fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the hotel-lined South Beach, a short drive from the Old Town, has been awarded Blue Flag status, owing it to its cleanliness.

Looking for a traditional beach getaway instead, Mallorca-style?

Sunny Beach is not an island, though it is, as the name indicates, a sun-drenched resort development unfolding along an azure Black Sea packed with beach bars, where beer costs as cheap as $2, and a waterfront 3-star Hotel Zaara will only set you back by $35-a-night.

Keen on an all-inclusive deal instead?

HI Hotels Imperial Resort has nightly rates from a shockingly affordable $80 this June, all meals included, and access to all resort areas, including the pool and fitness center.

We’re not going to lie to you: Sunny Beach can get a bit crowded in summer, not due to an influx of foreign tourists but due to its popularity with Bulgarians (and the neighboring Romanians) themselves. So, for some peace and quiet and more exclusivity, there’s Sveti Vlas to the northeast.

A laid-back yacht marina boasting a plethora of dining options, and several long miles of untouched fine, golden sands, it has 5-star hotels from $66 per night––check out the Garden of Eden Complex.

For a city break, our top picks are Burgas and Varna, the largest conurbations on the Bulgarian coast, and two bustling Black Sea ports famous for their ancient heritage––even the Starbucks in Varna is built on top of Roman relics!––and thriving nightlife.

They’re also the gateway to the coast, hosting low-cost flights from numerous European destinations in the high season, starting in May.

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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Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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Last Updated 1 day ago

Telling anyone to bypass Zion National Park would be a disgrace, but with that comes the hassle of crowds, including traffic (yes, traffic!) when hopping from one fiery red landscape to the next.

I’ve been in the midst of it myself and was honestly quite disappointed with how limited the park felt, having brought my dog along with minimal pet-friendly trails and bumper-to-bumper traffic in certain regions of the park.

While there may be mixed reviews with such cases, one thing is for certain – adventure awaits in Utah.

A new report from local Utah news source KSL revealed 4 state parks have undergone a mass transformation for tourists and locals alike to enjoy new sites, including ever-so-trendy tiny homes, all without the headache of crowds that more notable parks may incur.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

If you’ve never heard of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, just know it lives up to the name.

Brimming with ancient trees and petrified remnants lining the maze of wide-open trails, this is one of Utah’s most unique parks.

Entry fees are $10 and well worth it for the astounding scenery and crowd-free nature, where, in many areas, you can embrace solitude on a hike, bike ride, or lakeside lounging.

Located essentially in the middle of nowhere, this State Park boasts a brand-new campground with fees starting at $30 per night, plus additional costs for water, electricity, and dump stations.

While here, don’t skimp out on nearby natural attractions perfect for photo-ops, such as Lower Calf Creek Falls and Phipps Arch.

Red Fleet State Park

Venturing even deeper into no man’s land lies Red Fleet State Park, where its claim to fame is 200 million-year-old dinosaur tracks, where it’s said the best times to view them are early morning and late afternoon.

While this is certainly no Jurassic Park, hold on to your butts because this park is no snoozer!

With plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, dirt biking, and numerous water thrills like waterskiing and paddle boarding on the Red Fleet Reservoir, often considered a ‘mini Lake Powell’

You’ll likely want to make more than a day trip out of Red Fleet. If that’s the case, take advantage of the park’s revamped campgrounds with brand new tiny homes for rent, as well as other useful amenities to be named at a later date.

For further information and a full tour of the park’s new tiny homes and overall improvements, I highly recommend watching the insughtful YouTube video below from KSL Outdoors.

Red Fleet State Park costs $10 to enter.

Utahraptor State Park

And the winner for best State Park name goes to….

Full disclosure: Utahraptor State Park doesn’t have the best reputation. Formerly plagued with negative reviews as a barren wasteland with nothing to do, Utahraptor has undergone a much-needed glow-up.

Now, there are 67 modern campgrounds to liven the place in hopes of attracting more visitors than the measly 26,000 that were largely disappointed in 2024.

But hey, let’s give this place a chance. After all, it’s only been a designated State Park since 2021, with construction still ongoing for an official grand opening slated for Spring 2025.

Located near Moab, if this Utahraptor doesn’t turn out to be a dud, just 15 minutes away are more popular Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, plus ULUM, a luxurious ‘glamping’ resort.

Bear Lake State Park

Bear Lake State Park is certainly the most appealing to the eye at first glance out of these 4 State Parks. Bear Lake itself is mesmerizing with turquoise waters and surrounded by rolling hills in the distance.

So pretty, in fact, it’s been dubbed “the Caribbean of the Rockies”. Obviously, you’ll want to spend the majority of your trip in and around the fabulous waters here.

To do so, you’ll have to fork over at least $15 to enter. Fees vary based on season and residency, which you can view here.

Fishing, jet-skiing, and boating are very popular, as are hiking, picnicking, and camping out, which is the new hype surrounding Bear Lake as new campgrounds and day-use areas were recently built in the Rainbow Cove and North Eden regions of the park.

Bear Lake is shared with Wyoming, and there are also hotels dotted throughout the area, such as The Resort At Bear Lake and Sunrise Resort & Event Center.

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.