Solo travel and cruises are two travel trends that have been increasing in popularity lately, and yet at first glance, they may not seem like they mix well.
More travelers than ever are venturing out solo for their vacations rather than traveling with friends, family, or significant others.
Cruising is also exploding in popularity right now after the industry was dealt a heavy blow due to travel restrictions for several years.
However, most cruise ship fares are based on double occupancy, with the option to add a third or even fourth passenger to the cabin for a lower price.
On most cruise lines, there’s no discount for solo travelers, so even if you’ll be the only one in your cabin, you’ll still have to pay the two-person rate. Some cruise lines offer a reduced single supplement (for example, 75% instead of 100%) but you’ll still end up paying quite a bit.
The following four cruise lines don’t charge single supplements.
Instead, solo travelers have the option to book single cabins on these cruise lines at a rate that is much more reasonable and less than a standard double-occupancy cabin.
1. Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian is one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers. Six of Norwegian’s ships offer “studio cabins” priced for just one person:
These studio cabins are only around 100 square feet but come with all the same amenities as a double occupancy cabin.
As a bonus, solo travelers staying in studio cabins will have access to a shared common area called the Studio Complex and Lounge which functions as a social gathering place with events to meet other solo travelers.
2. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean was just named America’s favorite cruise line, and offering cabins for solo travelers is just one more reason to love this popular cruise line.
The seven Royal Caribbean ships that offer studio cabins are:
Quantum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
These cabins are priced specifically for single travelers. Unlike Norwegian, which only offers interior studio cabins, Royal Caribbean has a mix of interior, exterior, and balcony cabins for solo travelers.
Cabins range in size from 96 to 119 square feet.
3. Holland America Line
Finally, Holland America Line is another popular cruise line that doesn’t charge extra for passengers who are traveling solo.
Right now, only three Holland America ships offer solo cabins, and there are fewer of these onboard (only 12 per ship) compared to Norwegian and Royal Caribbean.
The Holland America ships with studio cabins are:
Koningsdam
Nieuw Statendam
Rotterdam
Studio cabins are priced for just one person and are on the more spacious end, with cabins ranging in size from 127 to 172 square feet.
What About Other Cruise Lines?
Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America are the only major cruise lines to offer solo cabins priced for one person. Smaller cruise lines like Oceania Cruises also offer single cabins.
And other popular cruise lines occasionally offer deals for solo travelers.
Although rare, sometimes the single supplement may be waived or greatly reduced for specific voyages.
If you want to keep up with these offers and score a great deal, Cruise Specialists has a regularly updated list of cruises with waived or heavily reduced single supplements.
Other cruise lines may not offer solo traveler-friendly pricing, but many do host meet-ups and events for solo travelers onboard to meet other cruisers.
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.
People opt for all-inclusive resorts for a variety of different reasons.
For some, it’s the endless amounts of food and drinks; others spend countless hours poolside, and the rest may simply want to unwind in paradise, enjoying all the posh amenities like complimentary room service.
My recent trip to the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa checks off all the boxes and more, and to be honest, I couldn’t think of a better way to kickstart summer.
From the seamless airport pick-up to room check-out, I was treated like royalty instead of just another face in the crowd of a long line of vacationers.
Image Courtesy Of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa
Greeted with a welcome cocktail and the friendliest bellhop I’ve ever met, Francel led me to my spacious ocean-view room for the week, mere steps from private access to the Dominican Republic’s most renowned beach, Bavaro.
Tucked away from loud motorcycle-filled streets and Punta Cana’s famous nightclubs, staying at this lavish 5-star resort is a haven for privacy in paradise, arguably one of the most blissful beach vacations on Caribbean soil.
Bon Appetit: 18 Restaurants To Choose From
Let’s start with the endless options of food…and maybe a few cold ones here and there.
But first, know that there are 4 separate resorts all part of one grand property. In addition to the Grand Palace (where I stayed), there are:
TRS Turquesa
Grand Grand Palladium Punta Cana
Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites
Guests have access to all the restaurants no matter where you stay as part of your all-inclusive package, excluding 4 limited to TRS guests only.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed starting my day with breakfast as Las Torres day after day.
Some resorts have buffets where you may question what’s on your plate – not here, though.
From made-to-order omelets, a crepe station, an array of fresh fruits, and surprisingly delicious cappuccinos (yes, I’m a coffee snob!), this was my go-to day after day.
For lunch, I switched it up from beachside steaks Helio’s Beach Club one day to endless pizza the next, but it’s dinner where this resort shines the most in terms of its wide variety of international cuisines.
From interactive Japanese teppanyakis, to flavorful Indian delights, and decidant pasta topped with truffles and caviar, you can’t go wrong.
Image Courtesy Of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa
There’s even the Healthy Habits Bar for those who refuse to give in to “cheat days” on vacation. No judgement – more sugar and carbs for me!
I would highly recommend trying to score a plate of the freshly sliced suckling pig offered at Las Torres’ dinner service – so tender and flavorful.
While some may rightfully use vacations as their excuse to catch up on sleep, I’m the type who wants to take advantage of the moment and experience it all.
Where I found myself night after night was the only 24-hour establishment on-site, Xtra Time Sports Bar. When the hand-crafted cocktails came to a stop at Hemingway’s, the night continued on at Xtra Time.
Here, you won’t know where the night ends and the morning begins. You have a wide selection of snacks and cold Presidentes available at all hours where you can keep up with your favorite team back home.
If I Go Missing, You Can Find Me At The ‘Secret Pool’
Turns out the ‘Secret Pool’ is not so secret, but what’s great about it is this is a haven for those of us looking to escape screaming children for some grown-up time.
Image Courtesy Of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa
As a family-friendly resort, you will surely have run-ins with kids, but there are ample spaces to enjoy some peace, quiet, and adult beverages.
The Secret Pool was my hands-down favorite place to hang out during the day with a swim-up bar specializing in Pina Coladas, shaded cabanas, and more open space, not that crowds were ever an issue.
Of course, there were multiple pools scattered throughout the lavish resort, but this one stood out the most for its draw of exclusivity.
Across from the TRS, this side of the property is for those of us looking to enjoy our downtime unbothered, which more than exceeded the mark in that aspect.
Fun In The…Mud? A 10/10 Spa Day!
Not everyone is into spas on vacation, but you would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on a day pass to the Zentropia Spa and Wellness.
The entire program offered is unmatched,. The 30-minute massage was among the best I’ve had anywhere and this comes from someone who has been transformed into a human pretzel in Bangkok.
Immediately following the massage, you’re provided with a hot tea while awaiting a truly unique experience, something I’ve never had the pleasure of taking part in.
Zentropia takes a page out of Katy Perry’s book believing in hot and cold treatments. Once you take a required shower for hygienic purposes, you’re guided into a sauna followed by an ‘ice room’.
Going back and forth between extreme opposite temperatures may sound tortuous on paper, but it’s shockingly pleasant.
Followed by my personal favorite, the steam room, spritzing a menthol fragrance for the perfect finish before relaxing in the jacuzzi to recharge.
For the grand finale, you’re guided to a hidden area of the spa where you sit on a rock Flinstones-style after lathering organic clay masks, each with different health benefits.
These colorful mud baths may make you look crazy, but they’re surprisingly soothing. Just keep in mind removing all the mud afterwards can be a challenge in the unpredictable hot and cold showers, somehow oddly fitting given the spa’s itinerary.
Opt For A Private Beach Or Incredible Day Trip
As part of the ‘Palladium experience’, you will have exclusive access to over half a mile of not only the D.R.’s most renowned beach but also one of the most sought-after in the entire Caribbean.
Bavaro Beach is undoubtedly gorgeous with crystal-clear waters and soft sand living up to the hype.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other plans this time of year, such as turning this paradisal beach into a game of The Floor Is Lava with seaweed.
In other words, it’s sargassum season. Some days are better than others and the beach is still great for lounging in the sun or going for a swim, but you will brush up against sargassum, an icky brown algae, at one point or another.
While I loved taking walks on the pristine Blue-flag certified beach and going for a swim, the highlight of the trip for me was a day trip to Isla Saona.
Tucked away from luxe resorts, hordes of tourists, and best of all, free of sargassum, my time spent on the postcard-worthy island was well worth the hours-long journey by bus and boat.
The waters and beach were truly pristine and top-notch for snorkeling, especially to see plentiful starfish. It’s highly advised not to touch them as they are a protected species.
Travel Off Path Lead Writer visiting Isla Saona
Travel Off Path was a guest of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Typically, winter travelers stay close to home for winter sun and save up for a big summer trip, but why wait?!
Life is short. Sometimes you just gotta say fu…
Fun is calling. Yeah, that’s what I was gonna say.
The world is a big place, but it seems a lot smaller when there are nonstop flights to far-flung destinations.
Good news for Americans is one of the most exciting new routes was just launched to an incredible warm weather city in ‘the land down under’.
While it might be tempting to explore Melbourne’s buzzing streets or pose in front of Sydney’s world-famous Opera House, there’s another Australian city deserving of a seat at the table with 3 nonstops routes from the U.S.
Brisbane: One Of Australia’s Coolest Cities
Ever heard of Brisbane? Let’s refresh your memory.
If you’re like me, one of the most famous Aussies was a childhood hero of mine.
You know who I’m talking about, the Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin. Just north of Brisbane was Steve’s playground for all his thrilling animal encounters.
His parents founded Beerwah Reptile Park, where he was practically raised, is now the world famous Australia Zoo, home to 1,200 animals and counting.
Say what you want about zoos, but this one has to be the exception to any hesitations as you won’t be able to withhold your enthusiasm for wildlife in typical Irwin fashion.
Tip: the zoo offers day tours from Brisbane every day at 9am.
That being said, the zoo is not the only reason to jet off to Brisbane – it’s truly an awesome city to explore, especially when it’s 85 degrees here and freezing back home.
Here in Brisbane, the outdoors seem to come alive, whether perusing trendy neighborhoods and enjoying a coffee under a shaded patio, to going for a swim at the man-made urban oasis, Streets Beach (free admission!).
And that’s just within the cityscape. Brisbane is best explored as a region rather than staying within arm’s reach of the pretty skyline.
Come hungry, pack your swimwear and hiking shoes, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip discovering Aussie’s paradises, such as Nudgee Beach, Suttons Beach, and D’Aguilar National Park.
Jaw-Dropping Coastlines & Kangaroos On The Beach
Brisbane is set on prime real estate with its own set of beautiful beaches but also within 2 hours of both Sunshine Coast to the north and slightly closer Gold Coast to the south.
Within Brisbane, visitors will love hitting up Suttons and Nudgee as I just highlighted, but also Shorncliffe Beach lined with fish ‘n chip eateries and the reddish sands of Redcliffe Beach as well.
There are too many to name, but what may be most enticing is a trip to Brisbane’s numerous islands, which may fly under the radar.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Australia without kangaroo sightings – but why not level up with said sightings on the beach?
Bribie Island is home to unbounded Eastern Grey kangaroos, among other wildlife.
Just try to avoid getting into a boxing match as seen on some viral TikTok clips albeit you probably stand a better chance than whatever the world just witnessed watching Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson…what was that?!
For more tame wildlife sightings, head to North Stradbroke Islandby ferry from Cleveland for out-of-this-world beaches and whale sightings.
For more insight on Brisbane’s top islands, check out Australia’s official tourism page here.
Reaching Brisbane From The U.S.
The West Coast had a monopoly on Brisbane’s direct flights, but yippy ki yay, there’s a new sheriff in town.
Dallas has entered the chat, launching the Lone Star State’s most exciting new route on October 26th.
Now that the new flight has commenced, all of America top dogs fly to Brisbane nonstop – Delta, United, and the latest to the party, American, who also just announced 2 new routes to Italy as well.
Here is the full rundown for Brisbane – U.S. flights:
Los Angeles: United flies from LAX on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday on a 13 hour 25 minute flight
San Francisco: Delta flies from SFO excluding Monday and Thursday on a 13 hour 5 minute flight
Dallas: American flies out of DFW every day at 9:40am on a 14 hour 55 minute flight
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
There’s no shortage of paradises to choose from for digital nomads to pack their bags and jet off to, but there’s one more to add to the list, with a new airport expected to put this coastal gem on the map.
The Mediterranean is teeming with blue-water shores and laid-back communities embracing the nomad lifestyle, but not all of them can be crowned the best of Europe.
Fortune just released their list of ‘Best European Cities for Digital Nomads 2024′ and the top dog was a real surprise.
Albania has seen an influx of digital nomads since issuing an unofficial digital nomad visa in 2022, but many have opted to plant roots in the capital city, Tirana, among other quaint beach towns.
One is an absolute stunner, Vlorë. But we’ll go with the English version, Vlora, so I don’t have to keep inputting those weird dots.
Where In The World Is Vlora?
Vlora is Albania’s third largest city, located along pristine shores overlooking the Bay of Vlorë (those pesky dots again!), a passage almost a straight line from Italy’s trendiest escape, Lecce.
But this side of the passage will soon be Albania’s trendiest escape as the country continues to gain steam, largely in part to more hidden gems such as Vlora being uncovered.
This resort town is oozing potential as there are already ample upscale accommodations to enjoy for a serene vacation, but more notably, apartments can easily be scored for $400 per month.
Surrounded by more turquoise than a Santa Fe necklace, this delightful town is truly postcard-perfect when lounging at one of many idyllic beaches once you’re free from unnecessary Zoom calls.
According to TripAdvisor, these are Vlora’s top 3 beaches to scope out:
Gjipe Beach
Dhermi Beach
Pulabardha Beach
Being a rather large city, Vlore is decked out with charming Old Town cafes as well as co-working spaces, such as top-rated CoWorkingVlora, just a few blocks from the scenic Lungomare promenade.
While there’s already been an uptick in remote workers flocking here, expect even more cushy amenities to pop up once Vlora’s highly anticipated new airport opens.
Vlora’s New Airport Opens In March 2025
It’s important to note not all of Albania is well-developed. In other words, the backroads should be left to the pros.
Reaching Vlora will be so much easier come March 2025 when the new airport is slated to take flight for the first time.
Albania’s flagship carrier, Air Albania is leading the charge and you can surely expect other suitors as well.
Heck, if Ryanair is launching flights to Dakhla, Western Sahara of all places, don’t you think Vlora is on their radar?
For now, the easiest way to reach Vlora is by bus from Tirana, which is a well-connected city as Albania’s hype has soared.
For a more adventure option, you could also fly into Corfu or various Italian ports (Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce, as previously stated) and take a ferry.
Although, the more reasonable avenue may be simply to wait on more news regarding Vlora’s new flights.
Albania’s Digital Nomad Appeal
Albania as a whole is a great blend of cultural experiences, cheap living, and unbounded natural beauty. Oh, and the food is pretty top notch too comparable to Greek’s most notable dishes.
There are a multitude of reasons for general travelers to visit, but digital nomads can soak up the most benefits here.
Albania’s nomad-catered ‘Unique Permit’ was a nice selling point for remote workers, but what you may not know is you don’t need a visa at all up to one year.
That’s right; American tourists can stay within Albania’s border up to 12 months without the hassle of bureaucratic paperwork – just a stamp and you’re good to go.
Narrowing down to Vlora; there’s no better place to call home.
With $400 apartments, comfortable co-working spaces, and delightful cafes in one of Europe’s most underrated Old Town districts, your day-to-day backdrop couldn’t be more enchanting when perusing timeless streets or enjoying a beach day.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Cancun may have the all-inclusive hotels, Puerto Vallarta the golden sand beaches, and there’s truly no beating Cabo’s wellness tourism scene, but this season, it’s Veracruz that’s stealing the limelight in Mexico as one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.
Located on the Gulf Coast, it was formerly one of the most popular beach getaways in the country before slowly fading into the background, as the Mexican Caribbean and the Pacific resort hubs soared in popularity, but it’s now making an unlikely comeback.
As stated by Iván Martínez Olvera, Veracruz has broken a series of tourism records this year, with a 100% increase in the number of visitors, and an even-more impressive 470% growth in regional tourism investment and development.
Figures aside, this means tourists are flocking back to Veracruz after years of just blatantly ignoring it, and it’s time we looked into the reasons why.
Veracruz Is One Of The Cultural Capitals Of Mexico!
First of all, it may have something to do with the fact that Veracruz is one of the most culturally-significant cities in the country, as it is Mexico’s oldest and largest port, founded as early as the 16th century by the Spanish.
It has an architectural wealth to rival Mexico City and Merida, with a landmark-packed historic center playing host to grand plazas, left virtually untouched since the Europeans first settled the area, beautiful churches and pedestrian-friendly lanes.
Think the monumental Castle of San Juan de Ulúa, a European-style fortress guarding the entrance to the harbor, the Municipal Palace, dating as far back as the year 1608, or the historical Venustiano Carranza Lighthouse, a neoclassical building with a palatial design.
The whitewashed Cathedral of Veracruz, finished in 1731, is yet another of Veracruz’ top attractions, distinguished by its five naves, richly-decorated cupola, clad in tiles extracted from Puebla, a fellow colonial gem of Mexico, and a crystal candelabra-lit interior.
Sandy Beaches For Miles On End…
Photo by “FullframeFactory”
Aside from the obvious historical value, Veracruz straddles the bright-blue Gulf of Mexico, with the local malecón (the popular Mexican word for boardwalk) stretching for several long miles from the colonial center, all the way into the fringe areas of town.
It offers breathtaking ocean vistas, and the taco and tamales stalls, souvenir shops, and laid-back restaurants make it an incredibly lively area to stroll day and night, and if it’s unspoiled beaches you’re looking for, look no further than these:
Playa de Chachalacas, a peaceful sandy strip hugged by the warm waters of the Gulf, with tall dunes and limited development along the shoreline
Costa Esmeralda, an off-path beach strip lined with tall palm trees, with beachfront stays starting at a shockingly-cheap $52
Playa Martí, a short drive from the city center, with clean sand and serene waters, often preferred by families with small children
Playa Mocambo, one of the best-equipped beaches near Veracruz, boasting a wide range of amenities, from spas to camping areas to tourist-friendly restaurants
Isla Sacrificios, an islet lying just off the city harbor surrounded by a colorful coral reef, with a handful of white-sand beaches
How Actually Cheap Is Veracruz To Visit?
If you’re wondering how much cheaper Veracruz is compared to other Mexican beach hotspots, we don’t have an exact average to present you, but we can say it’s for sure on the more economical side, especially when paired with Cancun:
It’s not yet been converted into a resort haven for Americans and other gringos arriving from abroad, and the majority of the clientele remains Mexican families escaping the overpriced, jam-packed Caribbean and Pacific coasts, so prices tend to reflect the local purchasing power.
Out of the seven 5-star hotels listed on Booking.com, Gran Hotel Diligencias on the Veracruz boardwalk is the most affordable this season, with double room rates set at $64, while the pool-featuring, beach-facing Camino Real Veracruz is a moderately-priced $129.
The most expensive option is Grand Fiesta Americana Veracruz, where a king-size deluxe room will set you back by $212 per night: with 2 pools, 3 restaurants, a fitness center, poolside bar, private beach access, and airport shuttle included, it’s the closest one to a Cancun-style stay.
Nonstop flights to trendy Veracruz are available from 2 U.S. airports this winter, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston Intercontinental, respectively with American Eagle and United Airlines, with one-way fares averaging $249 for the former and $317 for the latter.
When it comes to safety, the Gulf city is among the least-dangerous destinations south of the border, officially ranking as a Level 2 destination in the U.S. State Department Advisory, on a par with Cancun and Los Cabos, and having ‘moderate’ levels of crime as seen on Numbeo.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Delta Airlines CEO, Ed Bastian, has suggested air fares will increase by up to 30% in the summer months. With rising fuel costs, rising demand, and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic—travelers are witnessing rising air fares in the United States and the rest of the world.
When speaking to investors, Ed Bastian said: “We expect pricing this summer to be up probably somewhere between 25% and 30% on average,”
He added: “We’ve never seen anything of that scale.”
According to statistics, airfares in the United States are up by 25% in the previous 12 months. In fact, airfares jumped by a staggering 16.8% in April alone.
So what should travelers do? Read on to find out!
What Has Delta Airlines Said and How Will It Affect Travelers?
Delta Airlines has predicted its revenue in Q2 will be back to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, even with fewer flights than in 2019. They expect their revenue to be up 8% more than previously expected.
So this is good news for the airlines, right?
Sure.
But it’s not great for travelers like me and you.
The rising fuel costs are due to soar up to 22% above 2018 levels on a per-seat basis, which is more severe than the mid-April forecast of 17%. In addition, many airlines are contending with staff shortages that sometimes require higher worker pay.
As a result, Delta Airlines are raising flight prices to make up for the increased fuel costs.
Although thousands of travelers are complaining about the rising airfares on social media, many airline executives are reluctant to say it’ll deter travelers from traveling this year.
Speaking at the same event, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, said: “It you’re worried about pricing destroying demand, you are betting against history,”
He suggests air fares are only back to where they were in 2014 after adjusting for inflation.
Helane Becker, Senior Research Analyst at Cowen, told Bloomberg TV on Monday: “We’re worried about September and what happens in the fall. Avgas prices are going up and up. Airlines are finding labor costs are going up, fuel costs are going up, airport costs are going up. They are facing huge inflationary pressures and need to raise ticket prices and at some point, the consumer is going to say ‘okay, we’ve done our travel, and we’re done, we cannot (afford) to fly again,”
What About International Travel?
For the most part, the increased domestic demand in the United States is driving the rise in flight prices. Although some Americans are traveling overseas after the COVID-19 pandemic—numbers are still down on pre-pandemic levels.
So travelers can still find excellent deals of flights to Europe, South America, and even the Caribbean or Mexico.
Americans looking to travel within Europe will face the same issues with flight prices. According to Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, flight prices in Europe may increase to a “high single-digit per cent.”
He said: “It seems to us that there will be higher prices into that peak summer period because there’s so much demand for the beaches of Europe and those price rises going to continue,”
The Fast Travel Rebound: How This Affects Travelers
Travel has returned back to pre-pandemic levels within North America in 2022, which is faster than many economists and travel experts expected.
In turn, this has enabled airlines to raise prices for travelers.
However, despite the sharp rebound, travelers are witnessing enormous waiting times and issues at airports due to airlines failing to prepare for the massive travel rebound.
There is also a massive shortage in pilots in the United States. Delta Airlines recently trimmed its summer schedule by up to 3% to enable more time between flights and a smoother service in light of the recent issues.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the rise in prices put you off traveling in 2022. There are still excellent flight deals out there—especially to Mexico and Europe.
Yes, flights are skyrocketing in the United States. But with the world finally reopening, now might be the best time to travel overseas.
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.
There’s something almost indescribable in regard to wandering timeless streets mesmerized by centuries-old architecture and simplistic lifestyles.
Then we come back home dying to be first in line for the latest cell phone, video games, and whatever that whole NFT craze was.
Well, unlike the U.S., which is generally depicted as just wide open spaces, bougie beaches, and sky-high modernized metropolises, there are still plenty of timeless cities to enjoy, especially during the holiday season.
Perhaps the best area for such places is the South from New Orleans, Charleston, and one of America’s most charming cities, Savannah, Georgia.
This winter, discover cheaper stays and festive streets perfect for a winter escape in a city known for ‘southern hospitality’, old-timey plazas, and a springboard to a blissful side of the Atlantic coastline.
Winter In Savannah: Enjoy Less Crowds & Cheaper Costs
There’s many reasons to visit Savannah, but this historic city was just crowned #1 on Southern Living’s new ’10 Winter Vacation Ideas’ list primarily due to crowd-free streets and the affordability factor this time of year.
There’s really not a bad time to visit Savannah unless you’d like to avoid the humidity. In that case, a summer trip may not be for you.
Wintertime brings more splendid weather, consistently in the 60s, great for venturing out to nearby islands, perusing cobbled streets, or hopping aboard a scenic river cruise like Savannah Riverboat Cruises (where they ‘guarantee the lowest prices’!).
Savannah is a popular getaway year-round, but winter is the best time to take advantage of the least of amount of crowds for easier navigation and better photo-ops.
Perhaps more importantly, you can typically score cheaper stays and even airfare on occasion, according to Southern Living.
If you prefer luxury over boutique stays, check out the following 3 hotels with great rates in December and January (including Christmas!):
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District – $99
Aloft Savannah Downtown Historic District – $136
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa – $155
For comparison, the above hotels are all deep into the $200’s in summer, proving your bank account will thank you this winter.
Savannah’s architecture is to die for with well-preserved rows of a variety of styles from Georgian (of course!) and Greek Revival, among others.
There’s plenty of vacation rentals and converted hotels too, like the Olde Harbour Inn for true Savannah stay.
Savannah’s Festive Streets
There’s definitely a European vibe in Savannah and even more so come winter when the popular Savannah Christmas Market arrives (Nov. 21 – Dec. 31)
It’s not only the market that’s festive, however. The main parts of the city, such as always bustling River Street, are decked to the gills with holiday decor to set the mood for the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.
The Historic District is already teeming with charming streets, historic homes, and the unmissable Gothic-style Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, which of course, is even more incredible to visit with the magical ambiance of Christmas.
One unique event that’s a must-see is the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (November 30th) showcasing a dazzling display of synchronized lights.
While the Christmas Market takes a page out of Europe’s playbook, the Boat Parade is true Savannah through and through along the Savannah River. and always draws a crowd.
A Multi-State Coastal Escape: Seaside Bliss Is In Close Reach
Even though Georgia borders Florida, it’s actually the Georgia-South Carolina line that’s one of the best beach spots.
While you won’t find Caribbean-esque sun this time of year, walks on the beach, kayaking, surfing, and simply finding a nice beachfront restaurant is always enjoyable.
One such place to check off all these boxes this winter is Georgia’s Tybee Island, roughly 25 minutes from Savannah.
Across the Savannah River, however, is the South Carolina state line with its own set of beautiful islands like the hidden gem of Daufuskie Island, popular vacation spot Hilton Head, and one of our Editor, Tyler’s favorite beach getaways, Fripp Island.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
There are a lot of packing blogs out there with these ‘ultimate packing lists’ that include every item you likely OWN, let alone need to pack. It would take the most cavernous of suitcases in order to fit all that junk.Those lists are lazy. Who says you need to pack all that?? Packing like you …
Forget Paris, Barcelona, London, and the like: if you’re a digital nomad on a European quest for a better quality of life, higher levels of safety, great connectivity––and even culture––your destination may lie further East than you might have suspected at first:
Eastern Europe is brimming with digital nomads, and if Nomad List‘s ranking of Best Places to live in the Old Continent is anything to go by, all your usual Western hotspots are losing momentum as once-overlooked destinations start catching up.
4 Eastern cities in particular seem to be experiencing the biggest surge in visiting nomads, and it’s time we had a look into the why:
Prague, Czechia
The capital of formerly-socialist Czechia, Prague has a monument-packed historic center encompassing an iconic square flanked by Gothic buildings, a 15th-century bridge, ornate Baroque churches, and a hilltop castle that’s among the largest in the world.
It’s called the City of a Hundred Spires, and good luck if you’re climbing up Petrin Hill in an attempt to count all of them (we never got further than maybe 30 ourselves).
Besides its obvious timeless beauty and cultural mightiness that would appeal to Europhiles, Prague is just as enticing a prospect for digital nomads: it’s one of the highest-ranking European cities on Nomad List currently, with near-perfect scores across the board.
Nomads love it for how safe it feels compared to much of Western Europe, where cities like Paris, Barcelona, and London have seen crime increase significantly, lively social scene––Prague’s cosmopolitanism is not to be underestimated––and a myriad of laptop-friendly cafes.
That being said, it’s not one of the cheapest nomad destinations East of the divide, nor the most welcoming:
Monthly expenses total $3,038 to live in (month-long stays on Airbnb cost $1,052 – $1,611, and consumer prices have increased), and based on Nomad List reviews, the perception of racial prejudice is higher among non-European residents, but the good far outweighs the bad.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Capital of a landlocked Balkan state that, much like Czechia, also had a socialist past, Skopje is a surprisingly laid-back city traversed by a scenic river, with your usual cobbled Old Town and castle on a hill––and countless celebratory kitsch statues.
Seriously, we doubt there’s another European city with a higher concentration of sculptures per square mile than Skopje: from Alexander the Great proudly mounting his horse to the pious Mother Teresa (who was born here), there are larger-than-life icons scattered all over the place.
Naturally, taking selfies with Skopje’s infamous rows upon rows of effigies is not the main reason why nomads are coming here: North Macedonia lies both outside the European Union and the eurozone, so needless to say, bureaucracy and prices here are much lower.
1 U.S. dollar equals 56.86 Macedonian denar, and considering the national minimum wage is a mere MKD 22,567, or around $400––as reported by Wage Indicator––you can guess how much further your hard-earned IT dollars will stretch in Skopje.
We’re talking $539 per month for an apartment rental in the city center, within walking distance of all the shops, cafes and main attractions, kebabs for around $6.18 in the Old Bazaar, or $30 for a more luxurious dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant.
Affordability and the absence of strict Schengen rules seem to be the two biggest draws here, as Nomad List respondents have reported ‘fun levels’ are just ‘okay’, and nightlife as being ‘bad’, but if you ever need somewhere cheap enough to lie low for a while, look no further than quirky Skopje.
Warsaw, Poland
One of the most innovative and fastest-growing business centers in the East, Warsaw is not your typical European city with postcardy streets exuding Old World allure and the fairytale castle on a hill, but it has something the others lack:
It’s as cosmopolitan as Europe gets after London, with towering skyscrapers as far as the eyes can see, manmade parks nestled amid the concrete jungle that will evoke your fondest memories of Manhattan, and a thriving social scene only a true global capital can offer.
The visiting nomad may wonder how exactly Warsaw turned out this way when many of its counterparts are, you know, more on the quaint side of things, but the truth is, much of the historical city was destroyed by bombing in World War II.
Boom. Gone. Literally razed to the ground and rebuilt anew from the 50s onwards.
That’s why, in strolling modernism-dominated Warsaw today, you get more ‘America’ vibes than you do ‘Europe’––except it’s kept the walkability, the living standards, and (at least some) of the centuries-old culture.
Old Town Warsaw, a reconstruction of the former medieval center, boasts a high concentration of cafes and pastry shops where nomads are more than welcome to sit and unwind for a while (you may even be able to spot the odd 14th-century structure that survived the bombing).
In Mokotów, however, it’s all about the shopping centers, including one of Warsaw’s busiest at Galeria Mokotów, and the riotous nightlife: Puławska Street is where you’ll find all of the trendiest cocktail bars and brewpubs in town.
Over in Bielany, a more laid-back, calm district on the banks of the scenic Vistula River, nomads get to enjoy peaceful riverside walks and abundant green spaces, and let’s not forget offbeat Powiśle, famous for the quirky art galleries and bistro scene.
As you might have guessed, despite its amazingness that would put it on a par with all of Western Europe’s grandest city breaks, life in Warsaw costs $2,812 per month, as reported by Nomad List, and the big plus is safety:
You’d maybe expect a city as big––1.7 million residents––to be awash with crime and other deep-seated urban problems, but that certainly doesn’t apply to Warsaw, where harm is unlikely to come to you walking alone at night as a woman, and violent crime is (mostly) unheard-of.
Murphy’s law once stated that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, but this doesn’t change the fact that safety levels in Warsaw are higher, and thus your risk of being affected by crime is subsequently lower.
Tbilisi, Georgia
The rising star of Eurasia, Georgia’s Tbilisi is an ancient queen famous for its eclectic architecture, comprising periods of Persian, medieval, Imperial Russian and socialist influence, picturesque Old Town, and most recently, for reinventing itself as a nomad hub:
At present, it’s the highest-charting city in Europe on Nomad List, and to the uninformed onlooker, this might seem a bit surprising considering Georgia’s relative anonymity, but we’re here to shed some light on it:
Unlike the namesake U.S. state, this country is not exactly associated with peaches, as much as it is with wine and centuries-old Orthodox churches.
As for Tbilisi itself, it’s proof that you can have one foot in Europe and another in Asia and get the best of both worlds.
It has a distinctly European feel about it, with wide boulevards lined by stately palatial complexes and ornate building facades, and your usual landmark squares and fairytale castle on a hill, but as nomads have been glad to report, price-wise it’s, well, on a par with Central Asia.
A modest meal in a cheap downtown restaurant will cost you $10, or the equivalent in Georgian lari, whereas a more elaborate dinner for two in a chic restaurant up the high-end Bambis Rigi will probably run you up a reasonable $44.20.
As for Airbnbs, monthly rentals in Tbilisi have definitely become pricier in the last couple of years owing to the influx of nomads––and Russians and Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Eastern Europe––but there are still apartments for a surprisingly-affordable$665 – $745 per month on Airbnb.
Tbilisi’s unrivaled cafe scene is yet another compelling factor for remote workers. Places like Fabrika, Coffee LAB, and Lui Coffee cater to an international crowd and are well-equipped to host English-speaking guests.
Last but certainly not least, most nomads–and certainly Americans–can stay a whole year in Tbilisi visa-free, thanks to Georgia’s generous open-visa policy.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
