Safe, Cheap, And Epic Culture: This Stunning City Is Mexico’s Most Underrated Destination

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

One of the aspects of travel that saddens me personally is how often Mexico is wrongly portrayed.

Mainstream news grips any negative event with a tight fist to paint a misinformed picture of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

But the truth is that most of Mexico is safe; otherwise, millions of tourists wouldn’t return home unscathed with unforgettable vacation memories.

Historic buildings on empty street in Puebla, MX

While beach destinations are incredible to visit, many of the country’s hotspots lack authentic culture, which is really a shame (apologies to Sammy Hagar).

Mexico City may be the mecca to indulge in an array of culinary masterpieces and witness some of the nation’s most captivating sites, but one historic city just a couple of hours away will rock your socks off.

Safe, cheap, and gleaming with incredible architecture and traditions, Puebla makes for a perfect escape to experience real Mexico, as even such places as Guadalajara and Oaxaca have become touristy.

One Of Mexico’s Top Cities For Affordability And Safety

No need to keep your head on a swivel wandering through Puebla’s wonders; the U.S. State Department confirms Puebla is very safe.

Colorful Puebla sign in front of vast cityscape

On par with many other popular destinations at Level 2, you can comfortably explore as you would just about anywhere.

That’s not to say there aren’t bad apples, but Puebla is a far cry from Mexico’s ‘dangerous’ reputation away from the safe havens of Cancun and Los Cabos per se.

Puebla’s historic city center makes for a great base, and there are some amazing values in both the luxurious and boutique hotels that dot the area.

Lined with colonial structures of Talavera tiles and meticulous detail, you’ll forget about Mexico’s glitzy resorts and become captivated by the city’s timeless atmosphere all while saving money!

Street vendors in Puebla, Mexico

Stay in luxury at Quinta Real Puebla this winter for great rates at $76 or perhaps a cozier feel at the Casa Rosa Gran Hotel for $42 this December.

If staying in the city center, it’s best navigated by walking so no stone goes unturned as there are numerous vibrant streets boasting lively bars, traditional eats, and artisan shops – none of which will break the bank either.

Plus, this city is a foodie’s paradise!

Should you venture beyond the city limits, Puebla does have Uber too, which is typically more affordable than taxis who can pull the classic “my meter is broken” tactic to obvious tourists.

Cathedral In Puebla, Mexico, Latin America

Although, locals have been widely regarded as warm and very helpful to visitors.

Phenomenal Cuisine And Fascinating History

Across the U.S. there are world-class Mexican eateries and what you may not know is many cooks derive from Puebla bringing traditional flavors stateside.

Puebla is often regarded as ground zero for some of Mexico’s most renowned cuisine. In fact, famed chef and world traveler Anthony Bourdain visited Puebla on one of his first episodes to showcase the region’s distinct dishes, such as Mole Poblano, a must-try on your trip.

In other words, it’s impossible to go hungry in this city as every meal is a delight for your tastebuds (and don’t skip the cocktails either!).

Mole Mexican dish Puebla

Make sure to make a reservation at Mochomos Puebla for an unforgettable meal; it’s one of the top-rated restaurants in the city holding an impressive 4.9 rating Google with over 10,000 reviews.

Circling back to your travel budget, Puebla offers many free attractions like many outdoor celebrations and incredible cathedrals.

Being so eye-catching, you won’t be able to help yourself but enter one of the multitude of churches no matter your beliefs, simply to appreciate these architectural marvels.

Make sure you visit the Cathedral of Puebla, Santo Domingo Church, and La Compañía Church to name a few.

What may be even more fascinating for some is the nearby town of Cholula, but don’t get too excited thinking this place is home to the popular hot sauce brand.

Aerial View Of The Colorful Colonial Cholula, A Small City Part Of The Puebla Metropolitan Area In The Puebla State In Central Mexico, Latin america

Cholula’s claim to fame isn’t mouthwatering red peppers; it’s home to captivating ruins, including the world’s largest pyramid – take that Egypt!

Reaching Puebla Is Easy

Mexico City offers the most flight options directly from the U.S., but you can also fly nonstop from a couple of American cities (one being the ultimate travel hack).

Houston and San Diego (via Tijuana) are your only nonstop options at the moment. United flies nonstop from Houston, while both Viva Aerobus and Volaris fly from Tijuana which can be accessed by Southern Californians by never stepping foot across the border with the handy Cross Border Xpress.

united plane on a runway in mexico

If you fly into Mexico City, however, you’ll need to hop aboard a bus or take an expensive Uber or taxi.

According to Busbud, bus fares range from $6 – $23 this winter.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

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

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

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.



[ad_2]

Source link

New Airport & Cheap Living: This Mediterranean Paradise Was Just Crowned As Europe’s Top Digital Nomad Destination

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

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.

Vlora, Albania beach

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?

Turquoise waters of Vlore

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.

Digital nomad working seaside in Albania

According to TripAdvisor, these are Vlora’s top 3 beaches to scope out:

  1. Gjipe Beach
  2. Dhermi Beach
  3. 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

Air Albania plane landing

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?

Passenger ferry in Vlora, Albania

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.

Old Town Vlore, Albania, Southern Europe

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.

The Unique Permit is a straightforward application process and offers nomads the options to stay up to 5 years.

Female digital nomad working on laptop at European cafe

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.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

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

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

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.



[ad_2]

Source link

Gulf Beaches & Cheap Hotels! This Mexico Destination Is Making A Huge Comeback

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

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.

Panoramic View Of Veracruz City In Mexico

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!

Historic Fort In Veracruz, 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.

Panoramic View Of Historic Fort In Veracruz, Mexico

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…

Gulf Of Mexico Beach, Mexico, Latin America
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:

young solo traveler sits on old wooden boat on a beautiful beach in mexico with white sand
  • 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?

Veracruz, Mexico - panoramic view of the beautiful Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the center of Cordoba

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.

Veracruz Old Town, Mexico, Latin America

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.

Colorful Colonial Era House In Veracruz, Mexico, Latin America

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.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

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

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

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.



[ad_2]

Source link