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Japan may be able to 3-D print a brand new train station at the drop of a hat, but Mexico is a little behind the times.

As such, a new airport is more than worthy of celebrating. It’s not every day that travelers have a new destination to travel to, especially one that is so close to home.

No, we’re not talking about Tulum. That’s old news.

Next on the docket is Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of stunning coastline receiving a new international airport and best of all, the first-ever flight from the U.S. is already slated for launch this summer with more surely to follow suit.

But, there’s a caveat.

Mexico’s newest airport wasn’t built beachside like that of Cabo, Cancun or most recently, Tulum. Nope – it’s set in a historic city ready to celebrate is 500th birthday soon and seems to already be skipped over in favor of the lesser-known beach towns dotting the coast.

What’s the rush? A weekend getaway in fascinating Tepic, with its vast agave fields, buzzing plazas, and incredibly affordable stays, is the perfect start to Mexico’s rising tourism star, Riviera Nayarit.

One Of Mexico’s Most Authentic And Safe Destinations

Tepic, the capital city of Nayarit, is still relatively unknown. If you were to scour through travelers’ plans who plan to fly in, it’s likely you still wouldn’t see Tepic listed as more than flying in and getting out of dodge straight for a treasure trove of coastal gems nearby.

Mexico undoubtedly has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but the same can be said of the country’s urban sprawls, which are beaming with magnetizing culture, authentic cuisine, and cobbled streets serving as portals to the past.

That’s Tepic. This practically unknown city offers those willing to give it a chance to experience real Mexico, the type of place even parts of Mexico City struggle to genuinely offer nowadays in the face of overtourism/gentrification concerns.

Tepic is the anti-Mexico City, not that one of the biggest cities in the world isn’t a wondrous labyrinth of sensory-overload experiences.

Here in Tepic you’ll find a refreshing take as there’s no Starbucks anchoring corner retail slots or inauthentic chains taking away from Mexico’s magic.

While it’s always wise to remain aware of your surroundings, the State of Nayarit currently holds a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution designation by the U.S. State Department with no specific mention of Tepic as a place to worry about safety.

But given how Tepic flies well below the radar, expect to stand out like a sore thumb, at least for now.

Cheap Stays & Surprising Attractions: Tepic Is A Delight To Explore

Don’t expect to burn through the points you’ve racked up in Tepic; many of the city’s hotels are independently owned or within a cluster of conglomerates most Americans aren’t cardholders.

Since the lone nonstop flight from U.S. grounds isn’t slated until July, let’s focus on the best summer deals.

3-star stays:

• Hotel Saint George – $52
• Nk Hotel Nekié Tepic – $52
• Fiesta Inn Tepic – $54
• Hotel Hacienda las Higueras – $65
• Hotel Vista Valle – $65

4-star stays:

• Case Marianous Hotel Boutique – $48
• Hotel Fray Juniperro Serra – $60
• Hotel Real de Don Juan – $82

Now that you have your base, you’re probably wondering what there is there is other than to do what you would do in any other Mexican city. You know, find a centrally located restaurant patio, feast on local eats with an ice cold cerveza — there’s always that.

But, Tepic has some surprising attractions too. Despite it’s soon-to-be 500 year timeline of history, it’s not only eye-popping sites like Catedral de Tepic that are a draw, it’s Tepic astounding nature too.

Whether it be agave fields, staggering volcanoes, or Santa Maria del Oro, a vibrant lagoon set at the foothills of Tepic’s scenic mountain backdrop, this underrated city is practically an open invitation for outdoor adventures.

Plus, the weather doesn’t see unbearable temps like other parts of Mexico. Expect highs in the mid-80s practically year-round.

Volaris’ Groundbreaking Flight To Tepic

Tepic has been open to domestic travelers for quite some time, but international travelers, particularly Americans, should be extra excited this summer as popular Mexican airline Volaris recently announced the first-ever direct flight to Tepic from the U.S.

Scheduled to launch July 16, 2025, Volaris will fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tepic (TPQ). Tickets are already on sale on Volaris’ official website and painstakingly frustrating app.

Travel tip: When booking flights with Volaris, always check for promo codes first! I recently scored a round-trip flight to Peru for just $250!

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Is there any bad time for beach season? Negative.

Delta has doubled down on that fact by announcing a plethora of exciting new flights to not one, not two, not three, but seven stunning international beach destinations!

Some are household names, while others are still rising in the ranks. But hey, that just means fewer crowds to deal with.

Bottom line — there’s no doubt you can go wrong with any of these paradisal getaways.

Think crystal-clear waters, flashy resorts, and all the delights Mexico and the Caribbean have to offer, whether you’re visiting to indulge in endless cocktails at the swim-up bar or simply looking to escape the city grind wasting away in a beachside hammock.

No matter your preference, Delta has got you covered with their latest launch, which is slated for later this year.

Delta’s New Flights To Caribbean Islands

Who wants to go to the Caribbean?! Well, that’s probably a dumb question. Who would say no?

Delta is giving you more options as if the Caribbean wasn’t teeming with enough postcard island getaways.

According to Airline Geeks, Delta is adding 11 new routes, but not all are to some of the prettiest beaches imaginable.

No offense to Los Angeles, but Santa Monica needs a bit of a cleanup, don’t ya think?

The Caribbean, however, is brimming with white-sand hideaways from notable names such as Punta Cana, which Delta is also increasing capacity from Atlanta.

But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty — the 5 proper Caribbean destinations Delta will be serving with new flights (don’t worry; we’ll get to Mexico in a sec).

Let’s start with some Caribbean up-and-comers, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which, as just announced, is breaking all-time visitor records, and Grenada, which has seen 26 straight months of continued growth.

Both these pristine, lesser-known island retreats will soon be served by Atlanta.

Now for the rest, with more notable names:

• Minneapolis to Nassau, Bahamas
• Detroit to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (check out American’s historic new flight too!)
• Atlanta to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Boston to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Delta’s New Routes To Mexico’s Icons

You know where this is going…

As if Cancun needed any more connections, Delta just said “hold my cerveza“.

Americans’ favorite international beach vacation spot is becoming even easier to reach with a new flight from 3 U.S. cities:

• Nashville
• Kansas City
• Indianapolis

But, here’s the kicker: the new Cancun routes will only be offered on Saturdays, so plan accordingly. Although, Detroit lucked out a bit with additional flights being added to their already existing route.

When you land, don’t forget to take the new $7 shuttle to avoid the ongoing feud between taxis and Ubers.

Scroll back up and notice I said ‘icons’ — plural. That’s right; Delta is also launching a new flight to Cabo.

Austin is the big winner for this new route with daily service to Baja’s numero uno paradise, but let’s hope the airfare doesn’t top the resort rates — yikes!

While Cabo is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Baja, and always one of Mexico’s most visited cities, you might be surprised to know Cabo has also become more of a gateway to nearby beach destinations, such as the small coastal town of Todos Santos with vibrant culture and posh stays, or La Paz, a bigger city known for epic seafood cuisine and one of Latin America’s most beautiful beaches, Balandra.

All of Delta’s new routes are slated to launch December 20, 2025.

Delta Recap: The Popular Airline Is Going Big This Year!

In case you missed it in March, Delta made another major announcement for some thrilling off-path destinations Americans can reach easier than ever before.

Going beyond the glitz and glamour of Cancun and The Bahamas, Delta is betting big on travelers’ sense of adventure in 2025.

Here are 3 more of Delta’s ventures into international territory:

• Atlanta – Marrakech
• Atlanta – Accra
• Los Angeles – Melbourne

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Paris may well be Europe’s most sought-after destination, home to a plethora of iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and its adjacent Champs-Élysées, Montmartre with the buskers and cobbled lanes… 

Do we really have to go through the list again?

There are many reasons why we love Paris, from the romantic cafe culture to the elegant architecture, but there are also many reasons why it can get on our nerves at times.

Crowds, hectic traffic, beret-clad Instagrammers whose sole purpose in life seems to be to take selfies by hand be Seine, and oh, the staggeringly high prices for accommodation…

But hey, it’s not like Paris alone is fully representative of French culture.

If you’re flying all this way for the beautiful sights, the Old World allure, and delicious cuisine, you should make sure you try Lyon next:

Could Lyon Be The Next Paris?

One of the oldest cities in France, founded as early as the Roman period, and boasting cultural wealth like no other, Lyon is perhaps the best-equipped French city to rival the capital in terms of beautiful sights.

Its Old Town, locally known as Vieux Lyon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of 427 hectares, 4 districts, and comprising over 2,000 years of a fascinating history—it’s also one of France’s most landmark-packed downtown areas.

It is split between three main areas: the medieval quarter, or Old Lyon, proper, the Croix-Rousse, and the hilly Fourvière.

Old Lyon is where you will find all of the city’s most notable edifices from the Middle Ages, including the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, a Gothic ensemble best known for its vaulted ceilings and astronomical clock that gives Prague’s a run for its money.

Getting lost in its uphill, narrow cobbled streets, you will find Renaissance-era villas and hidden courtyards, and the higher you go, the more stunning is the view of the terracotta roofs and church spires at your feet

Croix-Rousse is the heart of Bohemian Lyon and an equally beautiful maze-like grid of stone-paved streets, just about wide enough for cars to drive slowly by.

It lines the Saône, a river cutting through the heart of Lyon, much like the Seine in Paris, and the promenade is particularly pleasant to stroll, as you admire the ornate architecture of the riverfront buildings.

Going up Croix-Rousse, you’ll see that its pathways are lined with bars, selling Lyon’s signature Beaujolais wines, traditional French brasseries, and bakeries where you can get fresh-out-the-oven pastries from only 1 euro—for the best croissant in town, check out Boulangerie du Palais.

For the third and final historic district, you’ll want to take the funicular, which rattles up overground rails, offering scenic vistas of the picture-perfect downtown.

Fourvière is home to the famous Notre Dame Basilica, a neo-Gothic gem often compared to Paris’ Sacre-Coeur: they’re both on a hilltop, overlooking their respective urban sprawls, and they were built around the same time.

In this area, you will also find Lyon’s very own Eiffel Tower, La Tour Métallique, a prominent feature of Des Hauteurs Park, except it even predates Eiffel’s masterpiece by three years.

If you’re wondering whether there’s anything left from Roman-era Lyon, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Fourvière has an ancient theater, built in the year 15 BC, and still hosting open-air concerts in summer.

Lyon Is Way Cheaper Than Paris!

Lyon is not only just as pretty as Paris, with several uncannily-similar attractions, it can be considerably cheaper and less crowded.

Paris has become a tourism playground in recent years, particularly after the popularity of TV shows like Emily in Paris, and the start of the beret-clad, ‘hold my giant €32 stunt croissant’ Instagrammer phenomenon.

Don’t get us wrong, it is very touristy—France remains the most visited country in the world, after all—but it’s definitely not on that Paris level of fame, for its own sake.

As we pointed out before, croissants here will cost you between €1 and €1.30, while a three-course meal in a local restaurant (let’s say you get some roasted camembert for starter, aligot for main, creme brulée for dessert, and a bottle of red wine) will cost you €38-40.

If you’re only going for the main dish and a glass of wine, then that’s a much-cheaper €18-21.

When it comes to accommodation, the average overnight rate in Lyon is a reasonable €106, or roughly $115, as per Budget Your Trip estimates.

If you’re wondering how Paris compares, that’s a wallet-wiping $326 on average.

Before we leave you, in case you’re planning a trip to France soon, don’t forget to check out this other charming medieval city only an hour away from Paris—it has a monumental Notre Dame cathedral that rivals Paris’ in beauty, it has a mind-blowing history, and prices are on the cheaper end, too.

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When you think of an idyllic European life, with Vespa rides, blood-orange sunsets, soft pistachio ice cream, and lounging for hours on a scenic beach, feet caressed by the warm Mediterranean, Italy, Croatia, or Greece probably come to mind.

But what if we told you there’s a lesser-known spot most Americans haven’t been to yet, and where you can still have all that, except for the ire-inducing Amalfi crowds and the ridiculous Santorini prices?

Located directly south of Dubrovnik, a short one-hour drive from the jam-packed fortified town, Montenegro offers equally-beautiful coastal scenery, rich culture, and dare we say, more affordable living:

Welcome To Montenegro, Croatia’s Less-Famous Sister

A small Balkan country only about 4.40 as big as Rhode Island, Montenegro may not look like much when you draw up a map of Europe, given its less-than-impressive landmass, and the fact it is surrounded by far-more famous countries.

An incredibly-popular Croatia sits right to its north, and if you keep driving south long enough, in 7 hours you’ll reach Greece.

That being said, it is by no means lacking in cultural attractions.

Its Dalmatian Coast, a direct continuation of Croatia’s own, is interspersed with scenic pebbly bays, hugged by waters of the most turquoise blue you’ve ever seen, and ancient harbor towns with centuries-old houses built from ocher stones.

If you’re wondering where to start, try Kotor:

Gorgeous Medieval Towns Untouched By The Passing Of Time

It is a medieval maze of cobble-paved pathways backed by limestone mountains—climb up St John’s Fortress forwater magnificent views of the winding, namesake Kotor Bay, explore the town’s numerous Romanesque churches, and sample ćevapi and pear rakija from a local eatery.

Nearby, Perast is a quaint fishing village distinguished by its spearing bell tower, and facing the landmark Our Lady of the Rocks, an islet home to a solitary church and museum, right in the middle of Kotor Bay.

For around $13, you can enjoy a sizable Margherita pizza with a local rose overlooking the water at Locanda, a well-known restaurant serving Mediterranean staples at reasonable prices.

Over in Herceg Novi, at the Western entrance of the Bay of Kotor, you’ll find yet another historic stronghold-city with a picture-perfect historic center, and a plethora of waterfront hotels starting from only $67-a-night.

Further down the coast, Budva is an up-and-coming leisure destination combining Old World allure and modern coastal resort appeal:

Beautiful Beaches & Luxurious Experiences

Its medieval core has Kotor’s timeless alleyways, yet smaller crowds, and the nearby sandy Mogren Beach has a refined beach bar where a sunbed and umbrella will cost you around $9 for the day.

For a more exclusive Montenegrin experience, Sveti Stefan is an ancient settlement on a small island accessible on foot via a bridge, home to a luxurious Aman resort that’s almost always booked out for the season, but you can try your luck here.

If you plan on staying in Montenegro a little longer than a week or two, either because you’re a digital nomad looking for somewhere to lie low a while, or a slow traveler keen on taking in the sights without rushing, you should head to Bar:

A lively seaport known for its leafy avenues, luxury condos and shopping scene, it is the best place to be based in for a mix of both vibrant city life and Dalmatian quaintness.

Renting an Airbnb in Bar will only set you back by $453-a-month, if you’re going for the budget-friendly listing, and based on Numbeo estimates for 2025, an inexpensive restaurant meal will average $9.70, while a pint of domestic beer is under $3.

If you’re looking for an affordable city, there’s of course Podgorica, the inland Montenegrin capital, away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

However, other than a tiny Old Town (with hardly any landmarks left) and rows upon rows of communist-era apartment blocks, there’s not much there that would pique your interest.

A Secret Historic Gem Nestled In The Black Mountains Of Montenegro

Montenegro is also home to a lush Mediterranean nature, and its Durmitor National Park has jagged peaks that are perfect for hiking, crystalline lakes that put Switzerland’s to shame, and deep gorges flanked by verdant forests.

Over in Biogradska Gora, in the very center of Bjelasica, a mountain massif, there is a nature preserve between two rivers, Tara and Lim, traversed with tourist-friendly footpaths and dotted with camping sites for the adventurous among us.

Of course, no visit to Montenegro is complete without Lovcen, the mountain looming over the Bay of Kotor, for one reason only: it’s precisely the karst massif’s dark color that gave the country its name, and historically, it proved a natural defense against invaders.

Montenegro’s former capital, Cetinje, a beautiful medieval gem with colorful houses and old royal palaces, bestrides Lovcen’s slopes, and it’s perfect as a base if you’re exploring the wider park and its many trails.

Montenegro Is Extremely Safe

Finally, for those dreaming of a summer or even moving to Montenegro, you should know it is one of Europe’s safest destinations.

Though we wouldn’t be the first to leave items unattended on a beach, this isn’t Barcelona or Paris: pickpocket rates are far lower, illegal immigration levels too, and as for overall crime, it tends to be better managed than corruption at a government level.

In other words, Americans have nothing to fear spending time in Montenegro, and they’re free to exercise their usual precautions, as the U.S. State Department confirms.

Need some time to think?

You can read more about Montenegro—and its many ancient wonders—clicking here.

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Iceland is no longer what it used to be – a faraway dreamland that nobody knows about. That’s not to say Iceland isn’t an amazing destination; it’s just no longer a secret.

What used to be an ideal place for all types of travelers, especially solo travelers seeking an adventure, now it’s a mainstream destination with prices through the roof.

Your first stop in Iceland is Keflavik, where in all likelihood, will be your springboard to reach the capital city, Reykjavik.

Here is where your jaw may hit the floor with hostels costing double, triple, or even quadruple, what other popular European destinations charge, meaning upscale lodging is even more of a punch in the gut.

Good news is a new travel hotspot has emerged as a result of higher travel expenses across the board and influx of travelers invading Europe’s most eye-popping country.

Formerly a top road trip destination, as Iceland’s ‘Ring Road’ is the ultimate bucket-list item, now the gorgeous town of Akureyri is making a name for itself all on its own as Iceland’s new tourism hotspot.

A Whole New Way To Reach Northern Iceland

Iceland is still a blast the old fashioned way. You know, renting a car, getting lost on roads you can’t pronounce and stopping at all the top sites, like the Blue Lagoon.

But…there’s a new way to experience Iceland, making the country more enticing to visit than ever before.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city, which isn’t saying much considering there are less than 400,000 residents in the entire country!

If you’ve been to Iceland, you probably flew Iceland Air or their flagship budget carrier, Play (formerly WOW Air).

Rather than take these airlines to Keflavik and spend hours on the road upon landing, there is another option to connect in England with a nonstop flight from easyJet straight into Akureyri.

Skip The Blue Lagoon And Embrace Northern Iceland

With 8.5 million travelers set to fly into Keflavik this summer, many have their sights set on one of Iceland’s top attractions – the famous Blue Lagoon.

What tourists may not know is showers are required before entering the lagoon. Let’s just say weaving through the very Euro style locker room is an adventure in its own right, and even more so if it’s jam-packed.

But did you know there is an awesome alternative that opened in 2022 in Akureyri? The tranquil Forest Lagoon is the anti-Blue Lagoon where you can have some space for a nearly identical experience.

Receiving rave reviews, one recent guest exclaimed, “Of all the lagoons I visited in Iceland, this one was my absolute favorite!”, with others such as the Myvatn Nature Baths within 40 miles.

Alternative lagoons are not the only draw to lure more tourists in Akureyri and the surrounding area. This entire region packs a punch with less crowds and insanely beautiful natural sites.

Not Just A Winter Wonderland

Iceland sees most tourists from the U.S. during the summer months. While Akureyri is magnetizing during winter as top spot for witnessing the Northern Lights, it’s great for a summer getaway too.

As tourism has sky-rocketed, the country is doing its best to disperse tourists across the nation to thin the crowds.

Set along Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, what Bergen is to Oslo, Akureyri is to Reykjavik. In other words, it’s worth the extra bit of effort to reach.

Those new to Iceland may be surprised by the country’s endless green landscapes. Locals commonly joke Iceland and Greenland should switch names.

The scenery is gorgeous throughout the area with similar, and perhaps even more jaw-dropping sites, than southern Iceland with waterfalls like Skjalfandafljot Falls nearby.

Between May – September, Akureyri is an incredible place to go whale watching through multiple tour operators.

While many Iceland tourists are all about Puffin sightings, spotting a variety of Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and even Blue Whales and Orcas on occasion, is a whole other level.

And like Reykjavik, Akureyri is both charming and quirky and worth some on your itinerary hopping around all the scenic spots from the Akureyrarkirkja church, a handful of museums, and trendy cafes.

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Winding navigable canals, picturesque fondamenti lined with pastel-hue buildings, and impossibly narrow alleys that lead to hidden piazzas with ornate fountains… there’s many a reason why you should visit the floating city of Venice.

At the same time, there are many why you should avoid it altogether:

Think of the jaw-dropping prices, with hotels in the historic center averaging $251 a night, or the overcrowding––and by that, we mean you simply can’t walk around the historic center without brushing shoulders with strangers.

That’s without factoring in the blatant anti-tourism policies, from the restriction of short-term rentals, to the introduction of a new ticketing system for day trippers.

Fortunately for crowd-wary, budget-conscious travelers, there’s a lesser-known Venice dupe all the way out west in Portugal, also traversed by a grand canal and famous for its richly-decorated gondolas:

Did You Know There Even Is A Portuguese Venice?

Aveiro boasts a high concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, skinny edifices draped in colorful tiles, and magnificent Baroque churches, but then again, this could be used to describe any other Portuguese city.

Its distinctive feature is the fact that it’s built on a lagoon, connected to the Atlantic Ocean by means of passing waterways, and it’s essentially born out of seaweed harvesting:

As the settlement grew over the centuries, and Aveiro’s exports grew bigger, a number of water-filled passageways were constructed to provide workers with easier access, from their place of residence to the harvesting hotspots.

These manmade canals are precisely why Aveiro is known as the ‘Portuguese Venice‘.

How Do Aveiro And Venice Compare?

Now, we won’t lie to you and tell you that’s a perfect comparison: there’s truly no other city like Venice in the world, built on a sheltered lagoon over oak-pile reinforced swamp isles and absent of streets and wheeled traffic.

Aveiro has navigable canals, but traffic runs alongside them, and unlike Venice, which has too many of those to count, its Portuguese equivalent has three main waterways.

Though they are not as numerous, but one could argue they’re equally scenic, especially with the colorful barcos moliceiros, the Portuguese gondolas, that travel around them––you can even take a canal tour for as cheap as $15.94.

Shall we remind you again how much those will cost you in the actual Venice?

Additionally, Aveiro rarely ever feels crowded, except for a handful of peak summer days, and even then, most of the visitors hail from other parts of Portugal or just neighboring Spain:

It’s yet to catch the gaze of most prying Instagrammers who are looking for the next European hidden gem or guided tour.

Other than charming canals and a timeless townscape, Aveiro is popular for its landmark cathedral, featuring a whitewashed bell tower, and delicious cuisine:

Great Food At Cheap Prices

It is the birthplace of ovos moles, a well-loved Portuguese sweet treat rivaling the world-renowned pastel de nata, made with pure egg yolks and sugar only––if you’re asking us, the best ones are served at this bakery called M1882, open e very day except Sunday.

Unless you’re vegan, make sure you add Tasquinha do Leitao to your list of restaurants to check out: they have the best roasted suckling pigs in town, presented with orange slices, and prices are more than reasonable.

Expect to pay around $14-16 for a main dish and a glass of local wine.

For sea beam and the signature Portuguese salted codfish bathed in olive oil and accompanied with baby potatoes, Necas’ House is the place to go, and if seafood’s the way to your heart, you can’t leave Aveiro without sampling some of Palhuça’s market-sourced squid and prawns.

Where To Stay In Aveiro This Spring

Looking for somewhere to stay in the heart of the Old Town, within walking distance to both the canal front and the train station?

The aptly named Veneza Hotel has nightly rates starting from an acceptable $72 this April, and in case you don’t mind splurging a little—if $104-a-night can even be considered a splurge at all—the 4-star, canal-lining Hotel Aveiro Palace is centrally located near all the best restaurants and photo spots.

It’s also a 10-minute drive from Barra and Costa Nova, two sandy beaches on the Atlantic that Aveiro locals commonly escape to in the balmy Portuguese spring.

The cheapest listing, however, is a 3-star economy room at Hotel Imperial, that should set you back by an almost-negligible $47 per night––no prepayment needed, free cancellation, and with an option to add breakfast for only $8 more on Booking.com.

Bottomline

On average, a weekend trip to Aveiro will run you up $316 as a solo traveler, as per Budget Your Trip estimates, placing it in the mid-range to cheap bracket.

For comparison, the same website indicates that a three-night stint in Venice is an eye-watering $869, and we’re inclined to believe them, based on hotel rates alone and the price of food, museums, and sightseeing tours.

Naturally, prices can widely vary depending on your profile as a traveler, but there’s no denying Aveiro is a much-better bargain than its famous Italian sister.

The closest airport to Aveiro is Porto International (OPO), some 41 miles north, hosting flights from Newark (EWR) and Boston (BOS).

From Porto, there are multiple train and bus connections to Aveiro daily, for as cheap as $7 one-way.

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Mexico is famous for many things. It’s ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and delicious food immediately spring to mind.

But perhaps the most iconic Mexican attraction is the nation’s beautiful beaches.  

Mexico’s beaches offer an incredible mix of white sand, idyllic Caribbean waters, and fierce Pacific waves.

You can choose from remote beaches with nothing but seascape for miles or fully equipped beaches with bars, beach beds, and everything else you need for a great day out. 

So which are the best of the best?  

TripAdvisor has unveiled their Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches in Mexico, and these are the top five:  

5. Playa el Chileno, Cabo San Lucas 

In fifth place is Playa el Chileno, located in Cabo San Lucas.

This is considered one of the most swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, which means it attracts both families and watersports enthusiasts.  

There’s a dive shop located on the beach, so if you want to try your hand at diving or snorkeling then you’ll have everything you need on hand.  

You’ll find a lovely mix of locals and tourists here, creating a relaxed and low-key vibe.

This beach is immaculately cleaned, and the facilities are well cared for, too. It’s a great choice for a water-focused day out.  

Getting to the beach is easy, too. If you hire a car or take a taxi, the beach is a straightforward 15-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Via public transport, you can take the Supercabos bus to the beach entrance. 

4. Playa El Cielo, Cozumel 

Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches but the one that really stands out from the crowd is Playa El Cielo.  

Like all of the beaches on this list Playa El Cielo is a spectacular, visually stunning beach.

But what really makes this beach stand out from the crowd is what lies beneath.  

This is an incredible beach for snorkeling and home to an abundance of sea life. Stingrays and starfish, in particular, call this area home, but you can also find turtles here.  

It’s worth noting that the only way to get to El Cielo beach is by boat. You can take a combined boat ride and snorkeling tour of the beach with El Cielo snorkel tours.

These trips cost $69 per adult.  

3. Balandra Beach, La Paz 

Balandra Beach is a wonderfully unique horseshoe shaped beach located just outside of La Paz on the Baja California Sur peninsula.  

You’ll find crystal clear, shallow water here, so much so that you can walk from one side of the bay to the other without needing to swim.  

Its shallow waters make it a great place for swimming and snorkeling, and the rocky landscape surrounding the bay provides an incredible vantage point from which to appreciate the beauty of the undulating sand just beneath the water.  

In fact, Balandra Beach is so special and unique that, due to its natural beauty and biodiversity, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

2. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres 

Playa Norte is the main beach on Isla Mujeres, which is a small tropical island paradise just off the coast of Cancun.

This is a wide expanse of breathtakingly beautiful beach, considered one of Mexico’s most visually stunning.  

The sand here has an unusual tinge of pink as it is actually formed by crushed coral. This pink tone is even more visible at the shoreline when the sand is wet.  

One of the things that makes Playa Norte so appealing is that the water is so shallow: even if you keep wading out, it will only reach your waist.

This makes it a great spot for intergenerational vacations, as it’s great for swimming and for children to play.  

Getting to Playa Norte is a breeze too. Take a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Ultramar, which costs $14.50 per adult.  

1. Playa Delfines, Cancun 

According to TripAdvisor, Playa Delfines is officially the best beach in Mexico. It isn’t the most well-known beach in Cancun, but it’s well worth making the time to visit.  

When you imagine a picture-perfect beach, Playa Delfines is probably what you’re imagining. This is a free public beach that offers amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

In fact, it’s a rare free beach in the Hotel Zone amongst a sea of private hotel beaches.  

The sand here is a vibrant, bright white, and the water is a perfect turquoise blue. As an added bonus, this is where you’ll find the giant iconic ‘Cancun’ sign, an essential photo spot.  

Getting here is easy too. You can either jump in a taxi or if you’re on a tighter budget then the R-1, R-2, or R-27 city buses all go to the beach from downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone.  

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You may know Mexico already for its white-sand beaches, glitzy resort zones and buzzing beach bars, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg:

With a history spanning thousands of years, it is one of the most culturally-charged countries in the Americas, and if it’s Old World charm you seek, rest assured you’ll find as much of it south of the border, a short 3 to 4-hour flight away, as you would across the Atlantic.

Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that a growing number of U.S. travelers is flocking to an offbeat Queretaro instead of the usual beach hotspots in the Mexican Caribbean: not only is it among Mexico’s finest offers in terms of city breaks, but it’s also European-pretty:

Queretaro Is One Of The Prettiest Cities In Mexico

A gem of central Mexico, Queretaro is a UNESCO-listed settlement dating back to the early period of European colonization, famous for having a historic center that’s been largely preserved as the centuries passed.

When you think of a city in the Americas, you probably picture steel-and-glass and endless rows of skyscrapers lining buzzing boulevards, and though that may apply to other larger cities, including Mexico City, it’s not the aesthetics that apply to Queretaro:

Picture narrower, pedestrianized streets lined with brightly painted facades, a plethora of Baroque churches, each of them unique in character and just as ornate as the next, and numerous plazas bordered by laid-back eateries.

Oh, and if you’re wondering whether Queretaro is just surface-level beautiful, you should know it is oftentimes considered the birthplace of Mexican Independence: it is here the revolt against Spanish rule erupted in the 19th century.

An Intact Colonial Center Awaiting Discovery

Among Queretaro’s most historically significant sites, there’s a pink-stone Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo, built in 1752, a Franciscan monastery now housing the Regional Museum of Queretaro, housing art that spans from the pre-Columbian to the colonial era.

In the heart of town, the Teatro de la República is a stunning Neoclassical venue that was once at the front of Mexico’s war for independence: it is where Emperor Maximilian I was tried, the same monarch who opposed freedom from Spain and got executed as a result.

Speaking of whom he would meet his tragic end up, Cerro de las Campanas, a centrally-located hill now topped with a chapel marking the place where the execution took place––regardless of the dark past, the view from the top is breathtaking, dare we say.

Looking for more important historic landmarks? From Casa de la Corregidora, formerly owned by Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, the woman of the hour of the Mexican War of Independence, to the 74-arch, 18th-century aqueduct, Queretaro’s rich Spanish heritage is boundless.

It’s European Pretty And This Affordable?

Other than architectural value and history, Queretaro is one of the most affordable destinations in the sun-drenched center of Mexico, from the local-owned eateries, serving delicious enchiladas queretanas and strawberry tamales for around a dollar, to the inexpensive accommodation:

A 5-star standard room at Casa Inn Premium Hotel will cost you from $68 a night, and the City Express by Marriott is even more budget-friendly, starting at $63 for a queen room, with breakfast included, and within walking distance of the main attractions.

Looking for cheap eats while in town? Make sure you add the locally-run Zandunga to your list, especially if you love huevos rancheros ($5), and a well-frequented Santa Cecina, for a big selection of tacos and parrilladas, with prices ranging from a mere $1.26 to $4.35.

Queretaro is a world-class cultural city break. It has beautiful sights evocative of the bygone Spanish Empire, at its most elegant at that, and it will hardly break the bank if you think places like Cancun or Cabo are a bit out of budget for you.

What’s not to like?

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Travelers are fickle. At one moment, we’re in search of winter sun, and the next we’re totally cool packing extra layers as long as we can witness Northern Lights, indulge in Christmas market delights, or hit the slopes in a magical mountain town.

Iceland may not tick off the latter as a ski destination, but it’s long been both mystical and mysterious to travelers worldwide, especially with easier connectivity over the last decade.

As such, more and more travelers couldn’t stifle their wanderlust impulses anymore, ultimately flocking to Iceland’s stunning waterfalls and famous Blue Lagoon and exploring the charming, vibrant streets of Reykjavik.

I had a blast the first time I visited Iceland, and I still consider this wondrous island to be my favorite country.

On my second trip, though…ehh, let’s just say the magic was lost when sharing space at waterfalls and black sand beaches as if I was a fish swimming upstream against a current of selfie sticks.

The good news is there’s a perfect alternative. Just as captivating with similar culture, otherworldly landscapes, and yes, unpredictable weather (so be ready), lies Europe’s lesser-known Faroe Islands, just highlighted by Yardbarker as a 2025 must-visit.

Europe’s Best Alternative To Iceland

The Faroe Islands boast all the same charm you find in Iceland except for a few quirks like Reykajvik’s museum dedicated to the male anatomy.

But, like Iceland, there are some shared quirks too, such as folklore legends of hidden elves living within society and endless streets with unpronounceable names like Tinghúsvegur.

As for similar attractions, expect to find unimaginably beautiful waterfalls like Múlafossur, rolling landscapes reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings film, hobbit-like homes, and yes, you can even get up close and personal with miniature horses.

One notable missing piece in comparison to Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon, but as a visitor myself, I’d say you can skip it in favor of Iceland’s new hotspot Akureyri, where spas’ entry fees are slashed in half.

The Faroes don’t have any geothermal spas, but you can check out Varmakelda, known as “The Healing Spring,” which is said to ‘increase love and passion’ if you’re into that woo-woo stuff.

Some other notable plusses for The Faroes are:

• Saksun has black sand beaches similar to Iceland’s Vik
• There’s no ‘Ring Road’ like Iceland, but there’s an impressive Eysturoy Tunnel to connect islands
• For cheap eats, try a Faroese ‘French-style ‘hot dog, comparable to Iceland’s gas station staple
• Deeply-rooted Viking heritage; check out The Faroe Islands National Museum ($11 admission)
• The capital Torshavn; a spitting image of Reykjavik’s multi-colored rows of delightful streets

Reaching The Faroes & Where To Stay

The Faroe Islands might be blushing brighter than their vibrant, postcard-worthy red townscape.

Following Iceland’s footsteps, their flagship carrier Atlantic Airways launched the first-ever direct flight to the States in 2023, but has since been discontinued due to lack of interest.

One could argue serving New York’s lesser-known New York Stewart International Airport was a mistake, but the historic route never took off like Iceland’s Play Airlines.

The good news is there are still a variety of ways to reach The Faroes, including Atlantic Airways, with popular connecting hubs such as London, Paris, Barcelona, and yes, even Reykjavik, to double dip in similar destinations.

The Faroe Islands welcomed their first name-brand hotels in 2020, so you can use your points at Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands or opt for a more authentic feel, such as the aforementioned hobbit-like homes.

If I’m not cashing in Hilton points, I’d choose The View in Bøur, with astounding waterfront views in traditional sod-roofed houses.

The Faroes’ Stunning Coastal Villages

Torshavn makes a great base, just like Reykjavik would in Iceland, but paying a visit to the Faroes’ tiny villages might be the highlight of your trip.

Anyone who’s done deep research on where to go in the Faroes has to have Gjógv at the top of their list.

Named after a 200-meter-long sea-filled gorge, this blip on the map packs a punch with natural beauty as one of the best photo-worthy spots of Denmark’s autonomous nation.

Next would be Nólsoy, an island of its own just a half-hour ferry ride from Torshavn, beholding epic mountain views.

Mykines (open late spring through summer) is home to a fruitful Puffin population, a popular sightseeing excursion both here and in Iceland.

For the adventurous, the coastal village of Tjørnuvík is known as a surfer’s paradise. Pack a wetsuit!

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Last Updated 3 days ago

While you’re likely to be well-familiarized with the likes of Barcelona, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria, we’re pretty sure you haven’t heard of Asturias, or if you did, you promptly brushed it aside as it’s not, you know, your usual beach hotspot.

Gross mistake.

As it turns out, Asturias is currently one of the fastest-rising Spanish destinations in popularity, recording a 17% uptick in visitors this winter alone even though it’s the low season and being expected to host a record number of guests throughout 2025.

Now that we’ve piqued your curiosity, what is Asturias all about, and why is everyone suddenly this interested in an offbeat, largely rural region in the much-underrated North of Spain?

Discovering Spain’s Hidden Gem

Officially called the Principality of Asturias, this is a historically significant region in northwest Spain characterized by its dramatic coastline, interspersed with sandy beaches and tall sea cliffs, mountainous hinterland, and medieval heritage.

Asturias was one of a handful of regions in the Iberian Peninsula––which includes Spain and Portugal––not to have fallen under Muslim control during the Arab takeover of Spain, which lasted for over 7 centuries.

As a result, it’s retained a distinct culture from that of the rest of the country: for instance, it’s still a principality, as the name indicates, with Felipe VI currently bearing the title of Prince of Asturias, and for many centuries, it was considered Spain’s last true Christian stronghold.

Until, of course, the country was reclaimed by the Christians, and this leads us to our first stop on this journey around Asturias:

What Has Asturias Got To Offer?

Visit The Regional Capital

The regional capital is Oviedo, a mid-size city dating back to the Middle Ages, home to the monumental Oviedo Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in Northern Spain, picturesque plazas bordered by restaurants, and many museums.

The 9th century Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its intact state for a Romanesque structure that is ancient, while Plaza del Fontán has its own traditional market.

If you’re an art geek, the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, located in Oviedo, has a vast collection of European pieces ranging from the Spanish Middle Ages to 20th century Flemish, and for the best fabada in town, make sure you book a table at Taberna Salcedo.

Asturian cuisine is one of the tastiest and most diverse in Spain, and from its white-bean-based dishes to pork shoulder (locally known as llacón), to the usual Northerly chorizo and the hearty Asturian stew, Oviedo’s food scene will not disappoint you.

Swim In Asturias Beaches

As beautiful as Oviedo may be, you’ll want to head to the Asturian seaside to truly take in the region’s most authentic culture: unfolding along an azure Atlantic for roughly 250 miles, it is lined with vibrant port cities, quaint fishing towns, and picture-perfect beaches.

Let’s start with the main coastal city in Asturias, as well as its largest one, at that (yep, larger even than Oviedo).

From spring, when it’s warm enough, Gijón is the perfect mix of beaches and culture, with its centrally-located Playa de San Lorenzo being hugged by the crystal-clear seas of the Bay of Biscay, and the colorful harbor houses that have barely seen the passing of time.

Over in Llanes, a laid-back seaside resort, you’ll find an unspoiled Playa de Guadamía, nestled between cliffs, and if you’re driving out to Playa de Griega, near the small settlement of Colunga, you’ll get the chance to see fossilized tracks left by dinosaurs.

Then there’s Gulpiyuri a unique inland swimming site near a flooded sinkhole, said to be the smallest beach in the world and a well-frequented Playa de Torimbia, straddling the ocean for what seems like endless miles.

While we’re still on the coast, it’s time to tour Asturias’ prettiest seaside settlements:

Check Out These Postcard-Ready Villages

Some of the prettiest small towns in Asturias include Cudillero, a quaint village on the Bay of Biscay and a perfect photo op for tourists thanks to its colorful houses, narrow streets, and a marina filled with fishing boats.

Luarca is just as pretty, with a well-preserved center dating back centuries and its fair share of unruffled sandy beaches (not to mention a landmark lighthouse), but if attending the world’s oldest canoe festival happens to be on your bucket list, it’s Ribadesella where you should be headed:

It hosts the annual Descent of the Villaviciosa River, taking place in early August this year, not to mention it has a charming historic center packed with family-run eateries (it’s a bit out of town, but don’t sleep on Meson Sidreria‘s pochopo).

Now that you’ve had your fair share of Instagrammable corners and colorful harbors, ready to put your hiking boots on?

Climb To The Very Top Of Asturias

For the hiking enthusiast amongst us, you’ll be thrilled to learn Asturias is one of Europe’s top hiking hotspots, largely due to its Picos de Europa, which cuts through its undeveloped terrain and provides sanctuary for a variety of wildlife.

Brown bears, wolves, eagles, you name it.

It’s also littered with skiing stations for winter, but we’d argue it’s far more beautiful to visit from spring onward when the peaks are clad in lush green, the birds are out, and all footpaths and trails are again accessible.

When the time comes, you’ll be able to join thousands of pilgrims on their way up the peaks to the Sanctuary of Covadonga: Asturias was, for many centuries, Spain’s last Christian outpost, remember?

We should probably mention this sanctuary, perched atop a prominent hill, surrounded by the snow-dusted elevations of Picos de Europa, provided the background for the first battle of the Reconquista, the period relating to the Christian reconquest of Spain.

Other than holding sentimental and religious value for Christian Spaniards, it is famous for its tiny chapel built into a cave with a lake underneath.

For more breathtaking natural scenery, head next to the Somiedo National Park, where many more hiking opportunities and deep-turquoise, high-elevation lakes await, and Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, the second largest mountain range in Asturias.

Asturias Is Cheaper Than Other Parts Of Spain

Finally, just how Expensive Is Asturias?

As it is yet to be engulfed by tourism in the way Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, or the Canaries have, Asturias continues to offer visitors a justly-priced alternative to Spain’s beach hotspots.

Believe it or not, booking a standard double room in an Ibis in central Oviedo will set you back by $37-a-night, while the average price of a meal in an inexpensive local restaurant––frequented by Asturians themselves––is $15.47, according to Numbeo.

If you’re keen on hiking the Picos de Europa, Cangas de Onís is the base you’re looking for: a small town nestled in a valley, where some of the most popular trails start from, it has a 5-arched, ancient Roman bridge over a crystalline river, and it’s a safe haven itself for the park’s golden eagles.

The Puente Romano guesthouse, only a few steps from the Roman bridge, costs $41 per night.

Staying by the seaside instead? A private room at the seafront Hostel Gijón Centro, within walking distance of San Lorenzo Beach and the lively port, averages $41 again.

Are Rising Temperatures Aiding Asturian Tourism?

As El Comercio notes, the popularity of the Principality can be attributed not only to its overlooked cultural value and breathtaking nature but also to the rising temperatures seen across Spain.

You see, Asturias is Spain, indeed, but with a different flavor of it: it’s in the North, it’s very mountainous, and most importantly, it isn’t on the receiving end of the scorching heatwaves emanating from North Africa, like Malaga or Barcelona are.

The fact it is not a Mediterranean destination has, in fact, played in its favor, as its coast has a temperate climate in summer, rarely reaching unpleasant highs of over 86.0°F, and the mountains are always cooler, irrespective of the season.

If you can’t bear the Southern European heat, you should know weather-wise, Asturias more closely resembles Northwestern Spain or even Southern England (in the warmer months).

How To Visit Asturias From The U.S.

Americans Can Fly Nonstop To The North Of Spain Starting This Year!

Beginning this year, Americans can fly nonstop to Bilbao, the largest city in the neighboring Basque Country, for the first time ever.

The Basque Country is just as fascinating and underrated a part of Spain to discover, yet if you’re intent on reaching Asturias on your next getaway, which we wouldn’t blame you for after seeing all it has to offer, you can land in Basque, and then make your way west to Asturias.

The driving distance from Bilbao to Oviedo is roughly 3 hours, and you’ll be passing by some of the most spectacular scenery both in Basque Country and in Asturias in between.

Alternatively, you have more flight options landing in Madrid, where high-speed trains to Asturias (namely Oviedo or Gijon) are available from as cheap as $17 one-way.

If landing elsewhere in Spain or Europe, you can fly to Asturias Airport, located 9 miles from Avilés, 24 miles from Gijon, and 29 miles from Oviedo.

Flights are offered from many European hubs that host transatlantic flights, and Americans can get to them nonstop, such as Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Lisbon in Portugal, London (Gatwick) in England, and Paris (Orly) in France.

Low-cost airlines such as Volotea and Vueling service some of these routes, with tickets starting from a shockingly-cheap $17.

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