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An alternative to Punta Cana? That might sound crazy, but there’s a brand new Dominican airport slated to open by the end of 2025.

Scouring travel forums, there’s already pushback at just the thought of a Punta Cana dupe, especially as Samana, Miches, and Puerto Plata inch closer to becoming mainstream each year.

But the Pedernales Province is one of the Dominican Republic’s last frontiers for tourism, and it might be off-putting to some simply because of its close proximity to neighboring Haiti, which, it goes without saying, is not exactly the postcard paradise it should be.

Home to stunning footprint-free shores, vibrant coastal villages, and far fewer crowds than Punta Cana’s flashy resorts, like it or not, Cabo Rojo is set to become the Dominican Republic’s new vacation hotspot once the Pedernales International Airport cuts the blue ribbon by year’s end.

Pedernales: The D.R.’s Virtually Untouched Shores

Untouched Caribbean seaside? Now that’s a selling point Punta Cana can’t offer.

If there’s one claim to fame in Pedernales, it’s Bahía de las Águilas, often going neck and neck with Punta Cana’s Playa Bavaro as the country’s most beautiful beach.

You’ll find gleaming white sand and vibrant turquoise waters, except there’s minimal development here, offering a better experience than Bavaro for those who don’t like crowds — but who does?

The stunning shores don’t stop there, though. In fact, Bahía de las Águilas is likely hard-pressed for competitors since this side of the D.R. is less frequented by vacationers, often viewed as more of a tight-lipped local escape.

One such place is Playa Blanca, a secret hideaway boasting epic sunsets and only has reviews from locals (all but one is a perfect 5-star rating by the way).

Another is Playa Cabo Rojo in the town of the same name where the new airport is located. Local patrons claim to enjoy the ‘crystal clear waters ‘ and close access to nearby attractions — not to mention ‘soft white sand’ and completely trash-free despite a lack of infrastructure being so isolated.

Most foreign tourists have yet to discover the spectacular shores near Cabo Rojos, but that’s expected to change in 2026 with far more enticements than just the region’s flawless beaches (with the exception of an occasional sargassum invasion).

Genuine Culture & Jaw-Dropping Nature

While there are a few negative aspects of Punta Cana, such as the prices for all-inclusives being more than reasonable, it lacks culture.

From what I saw on my trip, Punta Cana has become a tourist haven solely for its astounding beaches, posh resorts, and seductive vacation home market, while the culture is left to places like bustling Santo Domingo.

That’s not the case for Cabo Rojo, where Punta Cana’s curated experiences far outweigh any cultural delights you might find elsewhere.

That’s not to say there isn’t a slight touristy vibe, though. Just last fall, Port Cabo Rojo was completed, making it more appealing to cruisers to disembark and explore the region.

The town’s goal is to attract 150,000 cruise passengers in 2025, with no telling how many more air travelers come in 2026 once word spreads of this up-and-coming Dominican gem.

With such lush nature like Jaragua National Park, Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the breathtaking Oviedo Lagoon (within Jaragua) with scenic boat tours and more flamingos than a Tommy Bahama shirt, it’s easy to see why the Dominican government chose this region to showcase.

The Pro Pedernales Tourism Project: Name-Brand Hotels & New Airport

Information regarding which airlines will serve Pedernales International Airport remains a mystery at this point, but given how the D.R. has been a raging success ever since the pandemic, it would be shocking if no U.S. airlines were among the first to join in.

What we do know is that the airport will open by the end of the calendar year, and if it’s anything like Tulum’s highly anticipated opening, airlines will trickle in month after month, creating a new Caribbean vacation hotspot.

As for hotels, there’s a lot more information with confirmed commitments from household names.

Last winter, it was confirmed such brands as Hyatt and Iberostar are set to develop new properties here with the goal to make Pedernales the Dominican’s next ‘luxury tourist destination’.

But if you’d like to get a head start on your vacation before the crowds take over one day, TripAdvisor currently ranks Hotel Pedernales Italia as the top stay.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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It’s a challenge in today’s world to find anything truly free, often inciting thoughts of “what’s the catch?” and rightfully so.

With taxes, sneaky fees, and “gotcha” tactics, travelers often have to hawk-eye anything deemed ‘free’.

But Thailand is ready to showcase a lesser-known beach destination. In turn, doing so for free. Best of all, there is no catch per se, rather select dates to hop aboard a scenic train ride to escape the city grind of Bangkok in favor of a lesser-known idyllic beach paradise.

As icons like Phuket and the surging island of Koh Samui have seen hordes of unsightly crowds flock to their shores, it’s time to give under-hyped Hua Hin a chance.

What better way than doing so at no cost?

Better yet, once you arrive, you’ll discover Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s cheapest beach destinations!

Free Ride Aside, Why Visit Hua Hin?

Hua Hin is located within Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province and is teeming with many of the same attractions that other major cities and beach hotspots behold.

The main difference is Hua Hin is largely off mainstream travelers’ radar, leaving a truly authentic destination waiting to be explored.

For example, it’s been reported Phuket is ‘wall to wall’ full of people as 2024’s most crowded destination, so who would want to have a bunch of fellow tourists cramping your space when you’re supposed to be enjoying one of the world’s most acclaimed paradises?

That’s where Hua Hin makes for a great alternative, and we all know 2025 is destined to be a year full of discovering lookalikes as many destinations deal with overtourism concerns.

In Hua Hin, you’re not sacrificing a lackluster experience. In fact, you’re only enhancing it. Here are 5 must-visit sites to check out:

• Hua Hin Beach – long stretches of soft sand and vivid blue waters; great for swimming, lounging, and various water sports
• Phraya Nakhon Cave – the ultimate expedition for nature lovers; boasts a royal pavilion inside that will make you feel immersed in an Indiana Jones film
• Cicada Market – a buzzing night market teeming with goodies ranging from piping hot street noodles to local artisan crafts
• Moonsoon Valley – wine country in Thailand? You bet!
• Huay Mongkol Temple – a towering temple surrounded by peaceful scenery; home to one of Thailand’s largest statues

Stay At Luxe Resorts & Beachside Guesthouses On The Cheap

In a world where dollar stores are now $1.25 stores, it’s safe to say supply and demand can be a real doozy on the wallet.

Finding hotels is no different, but Hua Hin offers great stays with nightly rates cheaper than your weekly coffee budget.

This spring, you can easily find resorts and beachside guesthouses for unbelievable prices.

How about Karoon Hut Guest House set beachside for just $21? Or leveling up at the chic Stardust Boutique Hotel for $29?

Still have some wiggle room? Okay, check out waterfront villas at The Yana Villas Hua Hin for just $88, or cash out your points at either Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa or Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa.

There’s truly something for everyone, from solo travelers with tight pockets to vacationers seeking to pamper themselves.

All Aboard! Welcome To The Vana Nava Express Train

If you find yourself in Bangkok but have had enough of pollution, crowded streets, and the world’s strangest ping-pong games, then it sounds like you’re in the market for a free ride to the beach.

The free train (#43) leaves for Hua Hin from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 7:30am every Saturday and Sunday until March 30.

The full one-way journey takes approximately 3 hours, so you’ll arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the day beachside, market-hopping, or taking it easy at an aforementioned resort.

Along the ride, passengers are provided with free snacks, souvenirs, and even a towel as a keepsake.

Don’t worry; it’s not to cool down from the heat. The train is equipped with air conditioning.

How To Book Your Free Train Ride

According to Thaiger, these are the 3 steps to book your free train ride:

1. Visit the official train carrier website
2. Choose “General Customer”
3. Follow prompts

Keep in mind, booking is only open every Thursday from 7am to Friday at 3pm.

Sam Sears

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

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Last Updated 1 day ago

As iconic as London may be, it might be a bit of a stretch to say step aside, but every giant has its downfall at one point or another.

For 2025, in a David vs. Goliath-type duel, the former is coming out on top, at least according to the UK’s longstanding go-to news source, BBC.

Compiling an insightful list of the 25 best places to travel this year, the nation of Wales took the crown as England’s top destination, but as far as individual cities go, there was an even bigger surprise.

In fact, London didn’t crack the top 25. Perhaps, like me, they were tired of dishing out $12 for a pint of local brew and $25 for so-so fish and chips.

Bradford, on the other hand, is much more affordable and declared the UK’s next big thing, backed not only by BBC but highlighted as a top 5 destination by TimeOut as well.

So, what’s all the hype for this relatively unknown city? Let’s dive in.

Bradford: The UK’s New Capital Of Culture

London may be the U.K.’s global household name and a melting pot of cultures in its own right. I mean, is there anywhere else in Europe to get better Indian food?

I think not.

That being said, Bradford is being given the chance to take center stage in 2025 to showcase its newfound cultural explosion and step out from the shadows of other major British cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and neighboring Leeds.

Bradford has been nominated for the title of the 2025 UK City of Culture, and honestly, there’s no better time to visit.

Holding hundreds of spectacular events throughout 2025, there’s no bad time to visit. But, if you do squeeze in a last-minute winter getaway, definitely pack a raincoat.

Here are 10 exciting Bradford events to keep an eye on throughout 2025:

• A City of Film (the world’s first UNESCO City of Film)
• Nationhood: Memory and Hope
• Ramadan Festival 2025
• Marshmallow Laser Feast
• Ice Age Now
• Meet Our Mothers
• Dragons
• Dialled In
• BBC Introducing at the Underground
• Time for Tea (free; and what’s more British than this?!)

One cool experience to check out is the newly reopened Science + Media Museum.

Explore Bradford’s Timeless Streets, Including “Little Germany”

In typical U.K. fashion, you will captivated by timeless marvels and historic attractions dotted throughout the rather small city of 560,000 residents.

If you’re visiting to partake in the aforementioned events, then surely you’ll pass through the city center, where you can’t miss the staggering Bradford Cathedral, one of the city’s most photo-worthy sites.

An absolute must-visit is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saltaire. Here, you’ll discover one of the most unique architectural villages in all of Europe, now lined with delightful shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Better yet, while thousands of tourists simultaneously gawk at Big Ben and the London Eye, you can stay in one of the most well-preserved picturesque villages in Europe by kicking back, grabbing a beer at Salt Beer Factory, where one recent patron boasted, “Don’t leave Saltaire without stopping here. In fact, make a special journey to go.”

Last but not least, “Little Germany” is small yet mighty. This pint-sized district is a window into the past with rows of Victorian structures and imposing facades.

It’s a true delight for those who like to arrive with an empty camera roll.

How Affordable Is Bradford? Very!

Whether it’s the Cotswolds, London, or numerous hidden gems, the big question mark for travelers visiting the notoriously pricey U.K. is always their budget.

While certain restaurants and pubs can still getchya with tourist prices, especially in a year with possibly more tourists than ever visiting, Bradford is still surprisingly affordable to visit compared to its counterparts.

For example, you can score a 4-star hotel such as Cedar Court Hotel Bradford under $60! Yeah… try that in London.

Getting around is fairly inexpensive too. Single bus tickets start at just $250. Check out a full list of MCard prices here for bus, train, and tram travel.

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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If you’re tired of fighting your way to swim-up bars in Cancun and Los Cabos, there’s another resort-laden paradise with numerous direct flights from the U.S. waiting to be discovered.

While many Canadians take advantage of flocking here to escape the blistering cold, Americans are still behind the curve, seeming to give too much credence to travel advisories in favor of the usual safe havens, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.

Make no mistake, these are Americans’ favorite go-to’s for a reason, but even Cancun, as popular as it may be, has seen random violent crime sprees in touristy areas.

I just got back home from Ixtapa, a sunkissed resort town in the state of Guerrero boasting year-round 90-degree days surrounded by staggering green mountains and swaying palm trees over crystal clear waters and spotless beaches.

Believe it or not, I’m laying my travel reputation on the line as a former Cabo Sun journalist to tell you it’s prettier than Los Cabos and so much less of a burden on your wallet.

Despite Level 4: Do Not Travel designation from the U.S. State Department, Ixtapa is Guerrero’s lone bright spot that couldn’t feel any safer, more luxurious or authentic, especially when it comes to the region’s sinfully delicious coastal cuisine.

Zihuatanejo May Be Trendy, But Don’t Sleep On Ixtapa

“Zihua”, as locals say, has become a trendy destination on many travel lists over the past year or so, largely in part due to the lavish Thompson Hotel opening doors.

But, sometimes vacationers make the mistake of getting too comfortable sticking to the resort grounds without stepping foot in the city, and the temptation is understanding with such posh amenities being thrown at you left and right.

Even if you stay in Zihua, the up-and-coming smaller sister city of Ixtapa is worth venturing over for the beaches alone, and well-equipped for a surge in travelers with such high-end resorts such as:

• Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa
• Hotel Fontan Ixtapa
• Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
• Sunscape Dorado Pacifico
• Barcelo Ixtapa

Ixtapa is only a 20-minute cab ride from the airport (ZIH), and no, there’s no Uber here, but don’t worry about scammy taxi drivers, as rates are clearly published beforehand.

Once you arrive, you’ll discover postcard-worthy beaches, including a certified Blue Flag beach that is literally flawless. There wasn’t a speck of trash in sight walking up and down Playa El Palmar.

While rare, the only concern to keep a watchful eye on are crocodiles and occasional strong currents represented by the color of the flag posted each day.

The small town center is very walkable through the resort area, including a Senor Frogs Cantina. Every resort town has to have one, right?

My Stay At Barcelo Ixtapa

I stayed at 5-star Barcelo Ixtapa, “splurging” on the all-inclusive package for just $170 per night total for 2 people.

Try that in Cabo….

Of the resorts lined along the aforementioned Playa El Palmar, Barcelo seemed to be the most luxurious and undoubtedly offered the best pools, especially the middle pool of the resort’s trio overlooking the Pacific and security guards blocking off pestering vendors.

Shamelessly in “Vacation Mode” for 4 days, I lost count of the Pina Coladas and Cuba Libres I indulged in at both swim-up bars, but my recommendation is to pick your poison rather than house-brand, watered-down slushies.

If you can swing it, booking a corner ‘Oceanview’ room is the way to go, in my opinion, but the mountain views on the opposite side are equally stunning to wake up to.

Treating yourself to ‘Premium’ upgrades isn’t worth it as the buffets are well stocked with a variety of cuisine ranging from an omelet station at breakfast to a seafood lover’s dream on Saturdays with a sprawling feast of grilled lobster tails, spicy octopus, and shrimp paella.

If you book the standard all-inclusive package, just know you’re limited to a single specialty restaurant every 3 days, but multiple buffets and the Caracol Snack Bar more than make up for it.

$5 Well Spent: Take A Day Trip To Isla Ixtapa

The beauty of all-inclusives is you only have to worry about tipping, but if you’ve got an extra Abe Lincoln to spare, then you have to check out Isla Ixtapa via water taxi for only $5 round-trip.

You can book a tour here, but it’s easy to reach on your own and more fun to explore without the language barrier.

To get here, take a cab to Playa Linda and walk by the Crocodile Lagoon, through the souvenir shops to the Embarcadero.

Here is where you’ll buy tickets and board the water taxi. The ride itself is a sight to behold, but I recommend getting off at Playa Verdero instead of Playa Coral as it’s more of a hideaway from fisherman bringing in your soon-to-be sold “catch of the day”.

Choosing a place to eat lunch will be your only headache here, but I suggest El Indio. Ask for Carlos, who was kind enough to provide free sunscreen after my boneheaded mistake of leaving it in my room.

You’ll have a ton of options, but the servers suggest the Mahi Mahi and Ceviche. I had the latter, and it exceeded the hype, along with ice-cold cervezas and a Pina Colada served inside a pineapple.

Snorkeling equipment is only $10 to rent and well worth swimming in the calm waters.

It truly felt like we were inside an aquarium with how many vibrant species of fish we saw.

Ixtapa’s Top Hidden Gem: Ruins Yet To Be Undiscovered

As destinations such as Tulum have sky-rocketed in popularity, a key factor in their newfound fame has been how cool it is to deep-dive into former worlds, unlike anything we experience in today’s screen-addicted society.

While Ixtapa doesn’t offer staggering ruins to the levels of like Teotihicuan or Chichen Itza, just 40 minutes away is Xihuacan (a.k.a. “La chole”), a smaller site accessible by guided tours for a surcharge or free to enter on your own.

Dating back 3000 years, the well-preserved ruins of Xihuacan are still being unearthed to this day.

You’ll find a museum of artifacts used by various cultures over time amongst clay pyramids and a Mesoamerican ball court.

TripAdvisor ranks the Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour as the top guide for exploring this hidden world of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo’s past.

Sam Sears

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

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Last Updated 2 days ago

The value of a dollar isn’t what it used to be, and perhaps no traveler knows this better than digital nomads.

$1000 lifestyles are few and far between, but believe it or not, it is still quite feasible in certain parts of the world.

Digital nomads’ jobs range from customer service agents to million-dollar business owners, but no matter your income, budgets are always on the mind when roaming the world.

This winter as more travelers of all types seek out warm getaways, digital nomads can strike gold saving huge amounts of money all while enjoying multiple sunny cultural destinations of Latin America.

Put the big names aside and embrace the lesser-known as these 3 cities researched by Journée Mondiale are exactly what digital nomads will be looking for this winter.

Cuenca: Ecuador’s Historic Town In The Andes

Don’t let “Ecuador” be a trigger word. Like just about anywhere else in the world, there’s good that comes with the bad.

In this case, the bad obviously being a state of emergency was recently issued alerting tourists visiting Ecuador as a crime wave took over popular areas of the country.

Good news for you is the historic town of Cuenca isn’t one of them and is actually regarded as being quite safe attracting both retired expats and digital nomads alike.

Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed city center and enjoy a slower pace rather than the hustle and bustle of major Latin American cities like Mexico City or Buenos Aires.

Here you can start your day by fueling up on stout local coffee at numerous delightful cafes, which you don’t have to bat an eye at spending since apartments are only $400 per month.

Factor in cheap eats, plentiful outdoor activities, and how walkable this mountain town is rather than Uber-ing around, your pockets may feel heavy with all the money you’re saving living on $1000 or less.

Arequipa: Peru’s ‘White City’

Who needs the chaos of Lima when you can wake up amongst gleaming white architecture derived of volcanic stones?

You may have never heard of Arequipa, but it’s well worth a winter stay at such affordable prices and immense beauty.

Only downside being you may want to start hitting the treadmill as Arequipa sits 7500 feet high in the sky surrounded by volcanoes.

Often overshadowed by icons such as Macchu Picchu, Arequipa has flown under the radar, but it’s time for that to change.

If $300 apartments don’t catch your eye, perhaps the phenomenal cuisine, like spicy rocoto relleno, or the eye-popping architecture will suffice as your daily base.

There ample numerous intriguing museums to visit in this elevated city of nearly 1 million residents, so don’t think this is a sleepy town – it’s quite large with traditional markets, delicious restaurants, and liveley bars to frequent with disposable income you’ll have.

Not to mention, there are great cafes to visit as Peru is known worldwide for coffee, plentiful centrally located co-working spaces, and even digital nomad favorite hostel, Selina.

Granada: Nicaragua’s Vibrant Colonial Gem

Nicaragua is arguably the most beautiful country in Central America, but you wouldn’t know it due to the government’s off-putting politics and treatment of their own people.

However, Granada is the exception to the rule if you can get past the invasive customs procedure where you may be asked a bazillion questions why you’re entering Nicaragua.

Once you’re through, you’ll be welcomed into a haven for expats and digital nomads in Granada, a vibrant colonial town nestled along scenic lakes, where you can explore volcanic islands like Ometepe.

This laid-back town is located an hour from Nicaragua’s capital of Managua, which is likely your gateway into the country, so it’s an easy trek and well worth it.

You can rent apartments in historic buildings as low as $300, but keep in mind if booking on Airbnb, the owner may try to tack on utilities; something I had to deal with when booking here.

Exploring the town is captivating with its timeless cobbled streets, charming cafes, and traditional markets to peruse.

It’s well-equipped for digital nomads with numerous hostels and co-working spaces, or sometimes both are packed into one like Casa Bloom (and there’s also a Selina here, too).

Sam Sears

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

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Last Updated 4 weeks ago

Secluded beaches, laid-back pace of life, and old-world charm.  

These are just some of the reasons to explore the lesser-known allure of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

These stunning islands just don’t get the attention that they deserve.  

But now, to make getting to these paradise islands even more convenient, JetBlue has added new flights to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to their seasonal schedule.  

Here’s what you need to know:  

New Affordable Caribbean Flights  

JetBlue has now launched a nonstop flight between JFK Airport in New York and Argyle International Airport on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  

This will be a twice-weekly service, with inbound and outbound flights on Wednesdays and Sundays. 

To celebrate the launch of this new route, JetBlue is offering limited $139 fares.  

In fact, when I checked out the JetBlue website, I found single tickets for a little less than that.  

Taking an outbound flight on November 13 would cost just $121 while returning a week later on November 20 would cost $184. This gives you total flight price of $303 including taxes and fees for this particular example.  

The outbound flight departs at 8am, landing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 1.41pm. This flight has a 4 hour 41 minute flight time.  

These prices are based on a Blue Basic fare which is the cheapest option available, and there are extra charges for choosing seats or taking luggage (although carry-on is free in every flight class).  

JetBlue is the airline with the most legroom in coach, which is good news for budget travelers who don’t want to upgrade their tickets for a little extra space.

Why Visit St. Vincent And The Grenadines?  

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the lesser-known Caribbean destinations, but that only adds to its charm.  

It isn’t actually a single destination but rather a group of 32 islands and cays, though only 9 of these are inhabited.

But sailing between the islands for snorkeling and swimming is one of the charms of visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  

St. Vincent is the largest of the islands, so if you’re looking to explore its history and culture, this is the place to be.  

Think fascinating colonial mansions and Gothic churches with towers that dominate the skyline. The St Vincent Botanical Gardens should be included in this cultural hit list.  

These stunningly beautiful gardens were established in 1765, making them the oldest botanic gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Entry costs just $5 per person.

St. Vincent has also been given the curious nickname of “Critter Capital of The Caribbean”. This is because of the abundance of sea life found in its waters, making it a mecca for scuba divers and snorkelers.  

Project Expedition offer an affordable snorkel tour of St. Vincent which lasts 3 hours and includes all equipment and light refreshments. This costs just $55.  

Immersing yourself in St Vincent and the Grenadines underwater world is one of the very best things that you can do on the island, so be prepared to get wet!  

Staying In St. Vincent And The Grenadines

Because almost all international flights (including the new route from JetBlue) land into St. Vincent, this is considered the most convenient place to stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  

But if you’re looking to explore something even more off path then look for resorts on the destinations hidden private islands. Palm Island and Petit St Vincent are both great choices.  

Choose a chic, private cottage on Petit St Vincent where you can enjoy incredible fine dining and relax on huge, unpopulated white sand beaches. Rooms on this boutique beachfront private island resort are rarely available due to its outstanding popularity.  

For something a little more budget friendly look to the Spring Hotel just outside of Port Elizabeth. The hotel is small and the rooms are simple but comfortable.  

Prices here start from $150 per night, proving that you don’t have to break the bank to explore the Caribbean.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and snow will blanket much of the U.S. before we know it.

The good news is that there are still plenty of places to visit for winter sun, and perhaps no type of traveler knows this better than digital nomads.

This newfound travel trend of recent years has quite literally taken over the globe, where remote workers bounce around the world with their laptops in tow.

Chances are not many digital nomads have Iceland, Norway, or Sweden in their sights for the coming months, but the Caribbean is another story.

Why suffer through a frigid winter with such a flexible lifestyle?

While Cancun, Punta Cana, and even Curacao make for great bases, there’s one little-known island welcoming digital nomads for a full year – and the ‘Remote Workers Stamp‘ is a straightforward process to get approved.

Montserrat: A Blip On The Map Ready To Make A Name For Itself

Ever heard of Montserrat? Most people would say no.

This tiny island between St. Kitts & Nevis and Guadeloupe, a pair of other lesser-known gems in their own right, sandwich Montserrat in the open sea.

This British Overseas Territory is a stunner, though. Boasting postcard landscapes from black sand beaches given its volcanic past, along with lush jungles, and vivid blue waters, this place doesn’t sound too shabby of a work environment, does it?

Recently hyped up as one of the world’s ‘top 25 beach destinations for digital nomads’, local publication Montserrat Focus backs the claim that their beloved island is an ‘ideal spot’ and could be your ‘private paradise office’.

Before and after Zoom meetings, you can shut your laptop and swim in crystalline waters, explore numerous hiking trails (including ancient sites), kayak hidden coves, and join local community events like group yoga classes.

Don’t let size be a deciding factor; Monserrat packs a punch and is ready to become a digital nomad hub.

Montserrat’s ‘Remote Worker Stamp’

Sometimes digital nomads find loopholes in certain countries without an official digital nomad visa.

Oftentimes countries allow tourists to stay within their borders 30, 60, or 90 days, but are a little behind the times with the new digital nomad craze.

Montserrat is already with the program, launching their ‘Remote Worker Stamp’ program back in 2021, so no need to try to “sneak in,” so to speak.

Applying is super easy. You simply go to this website and fill out a brief form, submit it, and you’ll hear back within 7 days.

The cost is $500 to apply for a single individual for a 12-month stay. There are some requirements to be considered:

• Must prove $70,000 income
• Must prove you work for a foreign company*
• Must carry valid health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
• Must provide a police record
• Must provide passport and photo (passport size)

*To bypass the requirement of a foreign company, you may also offer freelance/consulting services.

Being on the low end of Caribbean crime statistics, you couldn’t feel more at home with friendly locals and being able to go out and about without feeling like your head is on a swivel.

For those who prioritize speedy wifi for their work tasks, Montserrat’s average speed is 20Mbs.

Affordability

Montserrat ranked 26th on VisaGuide’s 2023 Digital Nomad Index – not too bad for such a microscopic island.

While income requirements are higher than the average digital nomad visa, living in Montserrat is quite doable.

According to the same report just mentioned, cost of living won’t deter you as there are far more popular digital nomad destinations with higher costs across the board.

For example, rent is about $1000 (slightly more for serviced apartments on Airbnb) in the capital, Brades.

Many of which are spacious with designated working spaces, but towns like Brades have great cafes like Saje Cafe, where iced lattes and sandwiches are under $5.

Obviously, rent is the highest expense, but there are so many free things to do outdoors, as Montserrat’s astounding nature is practically begging to be explored—paddleboard through Little Bay, read a book at Spanish Point, or visit the free Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

The only other high-cost option might be a flight since there are no direct connections from the U.S. For a full list of flight options, click here.

Sam Sears

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

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.