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

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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.

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Epic Eats & Otherworldly Nature: Discover Asia’s Most Underrated Island

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How is it possible nearly 12 million people visit a place you’ve likely never heard of each year?

The same way we all have our beloved secret getaways close to home, the same goes for Asia.

Travelers have been enjoying idyllic escapes to South Korea’s lesser-known paradise for years.

Seoul is always abuzz and thrilling to visit, but Jeju Island invites travelers to experience Korea’s charm in a more peaceful atmosphere highlighted by epic eats and otherworldly nature.

Hamdeok Beach in Jeju

According to local publication, JoongAng Daily, more travelers have been trickling in this year and now it’s ready for the world stage.

Despite being mostly unknown to Western travelers, Jeju isn’t a far-flung remote island unequipped for a spike in tourism; there are ritzy name-brand hotels and centuries of astounding culture waiting for you.

Jeju Island: Closer Than You Think

How many cool places across the world would you be willing to sit through layover after layover to reach?

Being such a drag and energy zapper, that’s a promise I’ve made to myself not to do anymore unless it’s truly unique.

Stone Grandfather and vibrant sea in Jeju Island

Jeju might be an exception, but the good news is that you can easily reach this 2 million-year-old island with a single connection.

With so many nonstop flights to Seoul, Taipei, and numerous Chinese cities, Jeju is a lot closer and easier to reach than you might think.

This volcanic wonder is set south of South Korea’s mainland in the Korea Strait alone, unlike other Asian countries with paradisal blips dotting the map.

Winter makes for a great time to visit with ideal weather for exploring the island. Agoda notes ‘crisp air’ and ‘minimal rainfall’ perfect for scenic hikes , especially with free entry to place like Hallasan National Park.

Hiker at Hallasan National Park in Jeju

Jeju’s Otherworldly Nature & Postcard Villages

When we hear the word ‘island’, we automatically think of pristine beaches. In Jeju’s case, there’s far more to discover.

Take Jeongbang Falls, for example, the only waterfall to crash into the sea; an absolute must on your trip!

Then there’s Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO-protected site that’s an excellent stop for sunsets and to take in the island’s past volcanic past visit a huge crater than only be described as other-planetary.

Waterfall and swimming hole in Jeju

Of course, this island has its fair share of incredible beaches to visit, such as Hamdeok, Hyeopjae, and Yongmeori, rounding out TripAdvisor’s top suggestions, but exploring other natural attractions is what will truly captivate you.

The island is teeming with scenic waterfalls, but the most amazing otherworldly experience may be paying a visit to Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest naturally formed lava tubes on Earth.

When visiting Korea, you may not think of such an astounding nature. It’s likely that the food, culture, and bright lights of Seoul come to mind.

Traditional thatched homes of Jeju island's villages

But don’t sleep on Jeju’s postcard villages, which make for a great alternative to Seoul’s popular Hanok Village since the new implementation of curfews and fines to combat overtourism concerns next spring.

Jeju Folk Village is a restored village from the 1800s, displaying more than 100 structures and historical remnants.

Seongeup Folk Village is another worthy photo-op where locals have been calling this place home continuously for over 600 years – and don’t skip the Green Tea Cave nearby!

Kimchi, BBQ & Incredible Seafood: Add Some Spice To Your Life In Jeju!

Kimchi servings in Jeju

Surely, you’ve realized Chinese takeout and cheap supermarket sushi aren’t the only Asian delights back home.

The U.S. has seen an explosion of Korean restaurants largely highlighted by Korean BBQ garnished by Korea’s spice of life, kimchi, a spicy staple made of fermented vegetables and chilis (and very healthy!).

In Jeju, you can have the real deal at various markets, street vendors, and top-rated restaurants, much of which you’ll find in Jeju City, the island’s largest population.

Albeit winter makes for a great time to visit local citrus farms to sample Jeju mandarins too. Here are some savory dishes to keep an eye for when it’s time to feast:

  • Black Pork BBQ
  • Gogi Guksu (pork broth-based noodle soup; great for chilly nights!)
  • Haemultang (seafood-based soup; equally great for nippy weather!)
Market vendors in Jeju

Seafood is the claim to fame around here as ingredients are proudly locally sourced. According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 3 seafood restaurants to visit (all with perfect ratings!):

  1. Gozip Dol Wooluck – Jungmun
  2. Gozip Dol Wooluck – Hamdok
  3. Gozipfish – Topdong

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