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You don’t have to decide between Greece’s 6000 islands for gleaming whitewashed buildings, sinfully delicious seafood, and pristine beaches.

Heck, I’m happy attending San Diego’s Greek Festival every year, where I shamelessly close my eyes, stuff my face with gyros and galaktoboureko, and pretend I’m in Athens for the day.

As you’re surely aware, Greece has been surging in popularity for years with no signs of slowing down.

Even Santorini’s recent earthquake scares will likely be a distant memory this summer, as Greece’s most iconic island will undoubtedly be at maximum capacity when travelers use their vacation days the most.

To avoid said crowds, you don’t have to visit my favorite festival or even travel to an alternative Greek island for that matter.

Neighboring Turkiye is home to a secret paradise that’s a spitting image of Greece, and nobody ever talks about it.

The gatekeepers are typically Turkish and Greek vacationers who stay tightlipped about the Med’s best-kept secret for their own benefit, but it’s time to unveil the tiny yet mighty Bozcaada to the world.

Greek Vibes, No Crowds: Bozcaada Is The Ideal Hideaway No One Knows

Formerly known as Tenedos, this blip in the Aegean Sea packs a punch despite only having 500 people call this slice of paradise home.

Given its location, there’s a noticeable mix of Turkish and Greek influence, yet still a far cry from Istanbul or Athens.

This tiny island is the ultimate place to unwind, but also a delight to explore timeless streets to take in sweeping views of the coast and historic structures like Bozcaada Castle.

It’s no Acropolis, but the fact you can visit such an incredible landmark without having to wait in line isn’t a bad second best, right?

While much of Greece will be swarming with tourists, especially in summer, Bozcaada mostly only sees fellow Turks and occasional Greek travelers.

For Greeks, it still feels like home, with whitewashed buildings, stunning Aegean views, and similar meals to those found in Crete, Santorini, or Mykonos.

Stunning Beaches & Cozy Stays: No Curated Resorts In Sight

I’m the first person to snag a good deal at an all-inclusive resort any chance I can get, but I also appreciate authenticity when I travel.

You know, maybe fewer pool foam parties and Zumba classes and more local cuisine and homey rooms…

That’s what you’ll find in Bozcaada. This place doesn’t have to dress to impress. In fact, you could easily say it’s fashionably late to the tourism party as it’s remained unknown to most for this long.

But once you’re here, you’ll be welcomed to stunning shores such as Sulubahçe Beach, where one recent beachgoer in the know claimed, ‘the water was perfect’.

Other visitors, however, prefer neighboring Ayazma Beach, which unlike Sulubahçe, has nearby businesses and restaurants to visit.

For what it’s worth, Ayazma’s claim to fame is breaking a record number of Instagram ‘likes’ for its sheer beauty, so that’s got to speak volumes for what’s in store.

Numerous seaside hotels are available, most of which are near the town of Bozcaada, the biggest town on the island of the same name.

For prime real estate, Pelagos Hotel offers the best location, but comes at the highest price point. On the lower end, you can score vibrant boutique hotels oozing Mediterranean vibes, such as Martı Butik Otel Bozcaada, for about $50 per night.

Wine & Dine In The Mediterranean’s Most Underrated Paradise

Like Greece, and yes parts of Turkiye, Bozcaada makes for an incredible wine retreat. Turkiye isn’t just known for its traditional adult beverage, raki; it’s a great wine destination, too.

Bozaada offers multiple wineries and vineyards to visit as day trips, but perhaps no better than Corvus Vineyards tucked away from all the “action”, set along the sea.

More inland, though, is a secret winery even locals may not know of – the Old Stone Well Vineyard, a boutique winery off-the-beaten path for a truly unique and authentic wine tasting.

As for food, you’ll find mostly what you would find in Greece except for some Turkish twists and delicacies like the island’s famous varieties of marmalades.

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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Out of all 50 states, how do you narrow them down for a fun vacation?

Well, according to a new report from TrovaTrip, nearly 300,000 people gave their input resulting in a shocking revelation.

Typically, we think of incredible beaches to visit come spring as hordes of travelers flock to various beaches coast to coast.

But if you’re aligned with TrovaTrip’s report, you’re likely up for an adventure over simply lounging at the beach with a cold drink in hand.

Commonly considered America’s ‘last frontier’, travelers are seeking out new experiences in the vastness of Alaska, whether it be roaming National Parks, hopping aboard unforgettable cruises, or bearing witness to otherworldly Northern Lights.

Alaska: America’s Top 2025 Destination, But Why?

Alaska often seems unreachable, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Whether flying into Fairbanks, Anchorage, or even the lush evergreen forests of the capital city, Juneau, this misunderstood state is teeming with wondrous destinations that are easily connected to major cities throughout the mainland.

Don’t let Alaska’s ‘last frontier’ notoriety deter you. In fact, look at it as an invitation. You might be surprised to know how many incredible resorts there are in Alaska such as 4-star Alyeska Resort, under an hour from the Anchorage airport.

Despite being the largest state in terms of landmass, there are only 740,000 people who call Alaska home.

Those seeking to go off-grid, whether it be for a full-plunge “digital detox” or simply a relaxing escape into Alaska’s remote abyss, there’s simply no place better to treat yourself.

You can easily find vacancies at multiple upscale resorts seemingly in the middle of nowhere or ample cozy cabins dotted throughout the state, many of which are nestled amongst alpine lakes and tranquil coastlines with up-close views of wildlife, such as breaching whale and eagles soaring overhead.

Just be mindful of bears. Grizzly Man probably isn’t the best watch on the flight over…

Alaska’s Juxtaposition: Mingle With Locals Or Embrace Solitude

Ever read or watched Into The Wild? It’s one of my favorite stories that has inspired my travels and largely took place right here in Alaska.

Of course, the ending is a bit of a downer, but the story’s core message has inspired thousands to brave Alaska’s wild, many of whom have done so on their own.

While you can no longer visit the famous broken-down bus from Into The Wild due to the dangerous trek, Alaska’s natural wonders know no bounds.

Here you’ll find some of the most astounding National Parks in America, although some feel as if you’re on an Interstellar planet.

If you’ve heard of any Alaskan National Park, it’s likely Denali, which is truly stunning and home to North America’s highest peak and some of the state’s most abundant wildlife.

But there are also lesser-known parks, such as Kenai Fjords, which falls into the category of aforementioned other-planetary vibes with, you guessed it, breathtaking fjords, along with luminous glaciers and the Instagram-worthy Harding Icefield.

Don’t worry, though. You won’t lose years of your life by visiting.

Alaska has the juxtaposition of embracing solitude at such places or hitting up all the charming small towns such as Sitka, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

There’s an easy solution, though – hop aboard a train! Check out these 4 scenic train rides for a mix of solitude and down-home charm in Alaska’s picturesque small towns.

The Ultimate Cruise Destination

It might be tempting to book a cruise to Mexico, the Caribbean, or even Europe if you’re on the East Coast, but experiencing Alaska this way lives up to the hype.

Obviously, Alaska sees teeth-chattering weather, experiencing longer winters than the mainland, so road trips might be out of the question given the icy conditions.

What better way to visit Alaska than book a balcony cabin so you can go in and out as you please between viewing astounding scenery and warming up in your room?

Plus, cruises are essentially curated hotels on the water with all the bells and whistles you need for a great trip and showcase all the major attractions.

Alaska’s cruise industry is booming, so the only real downside is your cruise will likely be jam-packed.

Before you book, make sure to read our writer Dale’s musts and must-nots for an unforgettable Alaska cruise.

Can You See Northern Lights This Spring?

If you have “Witness Auror Borealis” on your bucket list, then you have another month or so of viewing opportunities in Alaska.

Now that March has arrived, Northern Lights season typically runs through April, but it’s not a guarantee.

The skies dance green most vividly away from light pollution, so if seeing the Northern Lights is a must, then it’s actually more beneficial to you to fly into Fairbanks over Anchorage.

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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Delta is tackling the globe yet again, adding to their already impressive portfolio where seemingly no destination is unreachable.

That being said, it’s kinda surprising to learn there are still major U.S. cities lacking connectivity to Cancun on one of Americans’ favorite airlines, but Delta is set to change that.

Additionally, there is another exciting country Delta is venturing into for the first time, and I had the pleasure of visiting last fall.

Spoiler alert: it’s one of the most culturally captivating cities I’ve ever been to, and I enjoyed it so much it tops my list as my go-to digital nomad destination if I ever build up the courage to take the full plunge.

Delta is adding more pins to their route map on 3 continents, totaling 4 new cities Americans fly to nonstop in 2025.

Melbourne: New Long-Haul Flight To ‘The Land Down Under’

When you think of Australia, it’s likely that Sydney comes to mind…as well as multiple Crocodile Dundee quotes and a strong vendetta against sting rays for taking Steve Irwin’s life.

But despite Sydney’s global recognition, travelers often find Melbourne to be Australia’s most surprising delight as far as the country’s major cities go.

Home to beautiful beaches, such as popular St. Kilda and one-of-a-kind Brighton Beach, lined with colorful beach huts (a.k.a. “bathing boxes), this diverse cultural hub is great for those seeking outdoor adventures or urban experiences, especially if you’re a foodie or coffee lover.

Delta is making Melbourne easier to reach with a new flight launching from Los Angeles (LAX) December 2025, which is actually summer in Australia.

Cancun: Cheaper Margaritas And Caribbean Bliss

If any state can sling margaritas the right way, it’s Texas. And since all my exes live there, I’ve poured many, which is all the more reason to leave the Lone Star State if you’ve had to displeasure to know them.

Exes aside, it’s fair to say Austin has become Dallas 2.0, losing much of its notorious ‘weird’ vibe appeal in place of techy startup ventures, a packed cityscape of new high-rises, and more chains replacing independent shops and eateries.

If you’re tired of sharing what used to be empty Greenbelt trails, seeing food truck parks turned into new apartment complexes, and being stuck in traffic thanks to Californians moving here, there’s no better relaxing escape than Cancun’s vivid blue waters and luxe resorts.

Delta is launching new daily service from Austin (AUS) to Cancun December 20, 2025 through an undetermined date in April 2026.

In case you missed it: Delta is also launching a new flight this spring to Punta Cana, one of the prettiest resort towns in the Caribbean.

Adventure Awaits In 2 African Cities

Africa isn’t on everyone’s Bingo card for 2025, but don’t let mainstream news dictate where you go, spoiling your sense of adventure.

Yes, Africa is home to some very poor and downright dangerous regions, but just like Mexico, a favorite for Americans to vacation, negative headlines shouldn’t be a blanket statement for anywhere.

Plus, even destinations like Cape Town have managed to make a comeback after being considered super sketchy in recent years.

But we’re not here to sell you on Cape Town or anywhere else, but what I can attest to personally is Marrakesh, Morrocco’s bustling capital city is the perfect gateway into Africa.

Largely English-speaking, friendly, welcoming, and providing a sensory overload of sights of timeless mosques and palaces, sounds of call to prayer and snake charmers, and various aromas through the maze of souks encapsulate a trip you’ll never forget.

While there are numerous direct flights to Marrakesh, the reality is we prefer to fly U.S.-based airlines.

Delta is launching its first-ever route to Marrakesh from Atlanta (ATL) October 25, 2025.

Additionally, Delta is adding a new seasonal service to Accra, Ghana, one of Africa’s safest destinations and an excellent place to book a safari or simply enjoy Ghana’s famed hospitality, whether it be exploring the sites of Accra or visiting small villages off-the-beaten-path.

Delta already flies to Accra from New York, but Atlanta is clearly the big winner of the airline’s latest additions, with new flights to both Marrakesh and Accra (ACC).

The latter is slated for launch December 1, 2025.

Sam Sears

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

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No chain restaurant eyesores, no glitzy name-brand resorts, and certainly no curated nonsense taking away from its red-tiled townscape’s authentic charm and immaculate scenery.

It’s rare to find a true hidden gem anymore, but that’s what I found in 2023 as I galavanted around Europe with no clear plans.

Hearing the hype of Albania through social media, the neighboring country of North Macedonia, was a throw-in after I ate my way through Tirana.

Seeing a bus ride to Ohrid was only a couple of hours and cost a little more than my daily coffee budget, I decided to venture off to a town I’d never heard of — Ohrid.

It’s one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made, and not one of the typical “I could live here” spur of the moment impulses we all have.

No. I could really live here. And so could other travel experts, who recently claimed Ohrid as one of Europe’s top spring getaways.

It is stunningly beautiful, very affordable, and crowd-free, minus a select few expats from neighboring countries.

Having yet to reach mainstream status, this serene lake town is still a secret to most. If you’re looking for an unexpected paradise, you’ve found it in one of Europe’s least visited countries, but that’s all part of the appeal.

No Crowds & Pure Serenity In The Balkan’s Prettiest Lake Town

I’ve never been to Lake Como, but I’d bet a spicy meatball 🤌 Ohrid is prettier. There’s no way there’s any body of water more mesmerizing in the Balkans; that’s for sure.

When I arrived, the first thing I did was put my backpack up and walk through town, and I couldn’t believe how open the timeless cobbled streets and maze of alleyways were.

Having just left Albania, I thought to myself, “people pick that over this?!”.

This way under-hyped city stands as a time capsule, including interactions with locals, where baristas might need to finish their smoke break before taking your order (#priorities) and the cab driver (no Uber here) might have a few paragraphs left in the newspaper before starting the meter.

Somehow, even as a spoiled American, neither of these instances bothered me. It was actually kind of refreshing in a way; a small reminder to enjoy the little things.

Old Town is the highlight of town as far as the urban attractions go and there’s no better place to watch the sunset than sitting lakeside on the pier, or a sidewalk cafe near the water. as the whole town of red-tiled buildings illuminates an orange glow across the vast hills you won’t mind traversing when you see what’s in store.

365 Churches: One For Each Day Of The Year

If I have one piece of advice visiting Ohrid, it’s to pack comfortable walking shoes.

Perusing Old Town is no issue, but once you turn the corners and venture uphill, your midday stroll certainly turns into a full-on hike.

Samuel’s Fortress is undoubtedly worth the trek, especially if you reward yourself at the cozy cafe outside the entrance.

The views are incredible from here and so is the craftsmanship of the fortress itself, still holding strong from its inception in the 11th Century.

History runs deep in this town and you can’t miss it. There were once 365 churches and the ones that remain today are mostly well-preserved, some are set cliffside making more amazing photo-ops.

On the flip side of the same coin, there are also grand mosques.

Lake Ohrid: Maldives-Like Water Conditions

Lake Ohrid is one of the most beautiful bodies of water I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I live in San Diego!

The waters are crystal clear up close, but the shade of blue it takes on from afar is so unique and inviting, Crayola should name a color after it.

Its only knock is there’s a bit of controversy on if it’s same to swim. When I was there in 2023, there were a few swimmers, and the internet’s general consensus seems to agree it’s safe, but just know it is one of Europe’s deepest lakes.

Another great way to enjoy the lake is by booking a boat tour, such as top-rated Lake Ohrid Cruises, starting out at $26.

Whatever you do, don’t skip the secret boardwalk to bypass some hills. You’ll thank me later!

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 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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