Tag Visiting

Share The Article

Last Updated 21 hours ago

Sunny San Diego. Well, most of the time…

“America’s Finest City” isn’t immune to occasional rain showers and a couple of months of gray skies. Vacationers are often disappointed by “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” as locals have dubbed them.

Besides checking the weather forecast, there are 4 exciting new things every traveler needs to know when visiting San Diego in 2025.

First, you might want to double-check the airport you’re flying into.

Second, before booking your stay, there’s a pair of lavish new ‘firsts’ hitting San Diego shores.

Lastly, crossing into Mexico is about to get a whole lot easier. You can bypass the ‘busiest border in the world’ without stepping foot in neighboring Tijuana – and no, it’s not locals’ favorite travel loophole, the Cross Border Xpress.

So, without further ado, here are 4 exciting things travelers should know when visiting San Diego in 2025:

1) American Airlines Now Flies To Carlsbad

San Diego is often categorized into 4 quadrants: North County, Central, East County and South Bay.

As such, sometimes visitors miss out on North County’s delights, given the headache-inducing traffic through a cluster of pristine beach towns.

Well, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore, especially since Carlsbad, in particular, should be a destination city in its own right.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is reopening for commercial traffic, where American Airlines is betting big on Carlsbad’s potential with the first and only flight (for now) set to launch February 13th from Phoenix.

Located less than half an hour from Orange County and roughly 40 minutes from San Diego’s main attractions, Carlsbad can be used as a gateway to other cool spots or your base as it’s home to beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and LEGOLAND, a popular spot for families who don’t want to deal with all that comes with giggly oversized rodents of Anaheim.

Travel Tip: American Airlines now also flies nonstop to Tijuana, the city’s only U.S.-based airline.

2) Avoid LEGOLAND Crowds! San Diego’s First Adults-Only Resort

On second thought, if you’re not traveling with the kiddos in tow and prefer to avoid the under-18 bunch altogether, there’s exciting news just for you.

A few miles down I-5 lies the coastal paradise of Encinitas, home to numerous celebrities hiding out from Hollywood (smart move!), a close-knit surfers community, and multiple stunning beaches such as one of my favorites, Moonlight Beach.

What you may not know is Encinitas is home to Alila Marea Beach Resort, which is transforming into San Diego’s sole adults-only resort.

As such, could there be a better re-opening date than Valentine’s Day? Just don’t come back home with a bun in the oven…

Kinda defeats the purpose, no?

3) A New Era of Tourism With Chula Vista’s Inaugural Resort

Chula Vista is typically way off tourists’ radar and more often seen as one of the best San Diego County cities to score cheap(er) rent.

Heck, that’s what got me to move here! Honestly, Chula Vista has been a pleasant surprise with scenic mountain-view parks, an underrated downtown, and endless Tijuana-style taco shops without having to step across the border.

Soon, Chula Vista will be casting San Diego’s often-overlooked South Bay in the spotlight with the grand opening of the city’s first-ever resort, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, boasting 1,600 rooms and 12 restaurants and bars.

Gaylord scored prime real estate as this area is the last frontier of San Diego’s untouched shores along Chula Vista’s San Diego Bay, with epic coastal views facing west over popular vacation spot Coronado.

According to local news source NBC 7, there will be a soft opening in mid-May, followed by an official grand opening in July.

4) Skip The Border! New Direct Ferry Into Mexico’s “Napa”

I go to Tijuana every month. Despite having a SENTRI card, crossing the border can still be a grind, which is often a deterrent for fellow Californians and tourists alike who want to see what Northern Baja is all about.

Plus, Tijuana has a sketchy reputation. Not everyone wants to take that chance. The neighboring town of Tecate (yes, that Tecate you might have in your fridge) is widely considered much safer, serving as a gateway into Mexico’s gorgeous Valle de Guadalupe, commonly dubbed Mexico’s “Napa”.

Stretching from Tecate to Ensenada is the Ruta del Vino, a scenic wine route passing numerous vineyards, luxe resorts, and bucket-list Airbnbs.

While most Americans start their wine adventures in Tecate, a new direct ferry capable of carrying up to 330 passengers from San Diego is set to change that.

Slated to launch in May (if necessary tests go according to plan in April), the Azteca Ferry will give travelers the ultimate loophole to bypass the hectic border, which often has 3-hour wait times at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Tickets are not sale as of yet, but last we reported prices were expected in the $100 range. However, there is a schedule posted on Azteca Ferries’ website:

Travel tip: If you complete the whole Ensenada – Tecate wine route, I can’t recommend 4-star Santuario Diegueño enough to rest up and enjoy sensational eats at on-site restaurant, Asao.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

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

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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

Share The Article

Last Updated 2 years ago

Close your eyes and imagine a perfect tropical paradise with incredible sunsets, overwater bungalows, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. That’s Bora Bora in a nutshell. This remote island in the South Pacific is 143 miles northwest of Tahiti and feels a million miles from anywhere.

The small, 5-mile by 3-mile island is made up of a lush, rainforest-covered dormant volcano. Surrounding the island is a lagoon, coral reefs, and motus, the small islets where many of the resorts are located. Bora Bora is the epitome of romance, relaxation, and tropical vibes that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

But before setting off, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Bora Bora, including:

• What are the costs for travelers?
• Things to know about culture and etiquette
• What are the top activities?
• How safe is it?
• Local food and drinks
• How good is the wifi?
• How long can you stay?

Ready? Here are the top 7 things you need to know before visiting Bora Bora:

Did you know… Bora Bora is part of the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia and has a population of around 10,000. During World War II the U.S. set up a base on the island where more than 6,000 soldiers were stationed. While the base closed in 1946, the military left behind several cannons which are still in place on the island today.

1) Bora Bora Affordability

You know the saying “you get what you pay for”? Well, nowhere is that more true than in Bora Bora. This tiny French Polynesian Island is certainly not cheap, but boy, does it deliver.

The currency in Bora Bora is the French Pacific Franc or CFP/XPF. Currently, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 112 CFP.

Here are the average costs for travelers in USD:

Accommodation

Bora Bora’s high season is from May – October. Slightly cheaper rates can be found during the low season, but rain showers and mosquitoes could put a damper on your vacation.

• Average hotel price: The current average price for a 3-star hotel in Bora Bora is $249 per night, while a 4-star hotel costs $879/per night.
• Luxury 5-star hotels: One night in a luxury 5-star hotel, such as the incredible St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, will cost around $2,385 on average. This includes many of the overwater bungalows that the island is famous for.
• If you’re on a budget: There are a handful of smaller hotels and guesthouses with rates under $200/night.

Food

Food is very expensive in Bora Bora. Because of its remote location, much of its food is imported, which adds to the cost.

• Hotel breakfasts typically cost around $35-$40
• A 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two can cost between $130 – $175
• For a cheap meal at an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay around $20.
• A bottle of beer costs around $9, while cocktails can range between $18-$30 each.

Transportation

If you plan on leaving your resort, there are plenty of ways to get around the island.

• There is a free ferry from the airport into Viatape, although most resorts will also provide boat transfers from the airport, so be sure to check ahead.
• Most resorts have shuttle boats that can take guests into Viatape, the cost, if any, depends on the resort.   
• The island does have a local minibus dubbed Le Truck, although it is notoriously unpredictable. The bus circles the island on the coastal road and costs around $3.75 per journey.
• Rental cars average $250/day, but drivers should know that the majority of available cars are manual transmission. Scooters can also be rented for $100/day. Bikes are a great way to explore the island. Rates start at $20/day for a standard bike or $35/day for an electric bike.
• Taxis and water taxis can be arranged through your resort or by calling the taxi company directly. Rates typically start at $20 during the day and $30 at night, depending on the destination, and be sure to settle on a price with the driver before taking off.

2) Culture And Etiquette In Bora Bora

Check this list before your trip! Here are some of the major Dos and Don’ts in Bora Bora.

• DON’T wait for the bill: Many restaurants (with the exception of in-resort restaurants) expect guests to pay the bill at the front rather than at the table. So don’t wait around for the wait staff to bring you the bill when you are ready to leave.
• DO put on shoes: While the island is very casual, visitors should cover up their swimsuits and put on footwear when away from pool or beach areas.
• DO ask the restaurant about transportation: Many restaurants will offer transportation to and from the resorts for anyone with a reservation.
• DO tip your tour guide: It is customary to tip local tour guides around 10% for their services. Tipping for other services is generally not expected but always appreciated for exceptional service.

3) Top Activities in Bora Bora

• Matira Beach: Often touted as the best beach in Bora Bora, Matria Beach is a can’t-miss. The mile-long stretch of white sand and the pristine waters of the lagoon are calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Bike around the island: The island’s small size makes it perfect for exploring on a bike. The 19-mile coastal road is mostly flat and takes you past ancient Polynesian temples, relics of WWII, and breathtaking views of the island and lagoon.   
• Take a hike: Bora Bora is home to some incredible hikes that are well worth the effort. Local guides are available to help choose the right trail and lead the way.

4) How Safe Is It For Tourists?

The crime rate in Bora Bora is very low. However, there are still some things that travelers should keep in mind to stay safe and healthy:

• Be mindful of marine life: swimmers should take care to avoid sharks, stingrays, and barracudas in the water, and watch out for stonefish and urchins hidden in the sand.
• Know what to do in an emergency: As a remote Pacific island, Bora Bora is vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly tsunamis. Be aware of your surroundings and know the fastest route to higher ground.
• Look out for falling coconuts: this sounds like a joke, but people have been seriously injured by falling coconuts.
• DO get travel insurance: Travel insurance can help in health emergencies as well as with covering the costs of any travel mishaps during your Bora Bora trip. For 5 great options, read more here.

5) Local Eats And Drinks

One of the best parts of travel is checking out the local cuisine. Don’t let yourself leave Bora Bora without trying at least one of the following:

Food

• Poisson Cru –  This is the national dish of Tahiti and is on most menus in Bora Bora. It consists of raw tuna, lime juice, coconut milk, and fresh veggies.
• Fresh Fruit – Is there anything better than a breakfast of fresh tropical fruits? The island’s tropical climate means that coconut, mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, and melon all grow locally.
• Po’e – the most popular dessert, usually made with banana or papaya puree that is baked with sugar and coconut milk

Drink

• Hinano Beer – the local beer, brewed in Tahiti since 1955
• Coconut water – did you even go to Bora Bora if you didn’t drink the water straight from a coconut?
• Cocktails –­ No trip to Bora Bora is complete without a visit to Bloody Mary’s, the famous beachside haunt with incredible cocktails.  

6) How’s the WiFi?

WiFi in Bora Bora isn’t always the best as it can be unreliable. Some resorts boast speeds of 100+ mbps however, guests have noted that it is typically much slower and tends to cut in and out.

7) How Long Can I Stay?

Americans traveling to Bora Bora or other destinations in French Polynesia can visit without a visa for 90 days within a 180-day period.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

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

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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

Share The Article

Last Updated 1 month ago

When it comes to a place as iconic and stunningly diverse as Italy, it can be hard to pick a single place to visit and even harder to differentiate between the unmissable gems and the overhyped tourist traps.

Milan, in particular, has always been the subject of an ongoing debate among travelers, with some insisting it’s one of Italy’s most visit-worthy cities and others claiming it’s a waste of both time and money.

So I decided to take a leap and see for myself – is Milan actually worth visiting, and more importantly, can you do it on a budget?

After four amazing days in the city, I’m happy to report that the north Italian gem is not only one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen in my life, but I was actually able to have an incredible time on less than $100 a day.

Here’s how:

Finding Low-Cost Accommodation In Milan

Accommodation might be the trickiest thing to do on a budget in Milan, especially if you have certain expectations regarding location or overall quality, but it’s not impossible.

The no. 1 tip I can give you here is to prioritize Airbnb over hotels.

I know that Airbnbs have notoriously become more expensive than hotels in most destinations, but after searching for the perfect affordable place to stay for at least a month, I can confidently say that Milan is not one of them.

Places like these (1, 2) while unassuming, are still comfy, clean, and conveniently located, offering excellent value for the money (assuming you’re traveling with a companion, the nightly cost ends up somewhere around $40-$55 per person).

You’ll notice that both of these apartments are located in Porta Venezia – in my opinion, that’s the best area for a tourist to stay in the city.

You’re close to both the city center (~25-minute walk) and Milano Centrale, the main train and bus station (~15-minute walk), and believe me, if you don’t have your own car, you’ll want to be close to Minano Centrale because that’s where you’ll go for every day trip and airport transfer.

The neighborhood itself is peaceful but still lively and near great shops and bars, and you even have access to a beautiful park (Indro Montanelli). 

Getting Around The City

OK, so you want to be close to Milano Centrale for all inter-city trips, but what about getting around Milan itself? How do you do that and how much can you expect to pay?

The easiest and most convenient mode of transportation here is by metro, no competition.

There’s a station at almost every corner, and as long as you do your best to understand how the system works, you should get the hang of it in no time.

Basically, there are three main lines that cover most of the city, Red (M1), Green (M2), and Yellow (M3), each with its own set of stops which you can learn more about here.

Still, as a tourist, you might have a challenging time figuring out what station you need to get to and what line you should take, so I highly recommend you download the ATM Milano App.

You just type in your location and where you need to go, and the app will come up with an exact itinerary of how to get to the right metro station near you, what line to take, and where to stop, and it’s definitely a time and headache-saver.

Even with the app, though, you’ll still want to pay close attention to the signs and maps displayed inside metro stations as well as the digital displays inside the actual metros to make sure you’re going in the right direction.

As far as pricing is concerned, a single ticket (which can be used as many times as you want within a 90-minute time frame) costs 2.2€ or ~$2.5, while a 3-day pass costs 15.5€ or ~$17.

Eating Out And Well Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

Eating out in Milan can get pretty expensive – there are probably thousands of restaurants and fast food joints in the city and most of them are obvious tourist traps with sky-high prices and mediocre food.

With that said, there are still some places where you can get amazing, great-value food, even in more touristy areas.

Case in point, Luna Rossa.

It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but as soon as you get in, you’re hit with that typical Italian trattoria charm.

It’s busy, loud, and unpretentious – the food is great, the service is quick, and a main dish + glass of wine shouldn’t cost you more than $15.

Bonus point, it’s just an 8-minute walk from the Duomo.

Other places I ate at (and loved) during my trip to Milan include Fresca Pasta Club, Salad House, and Pizza e Mozzarella.

For dessert, my go-tos would be Gelato Fatto Con Amore and Spùn Tiramisù.

The Same Goes For Entertainment

With accommodation, food, and transportation covered, it’s time to delve into what it costs to do other touristy activities in Milan, you know, things like visiting a museum, exploring a historical attraction, or going out for a cocktail.

With museums, you’ll want to try your best to time your visit to Milan so that you’re here during the first Sunday of the month – some of the city’s most coveted historical and cultural attractions are free to enter on that day alone.

If that’s not possible, you’ll want to aim for either the first or third Tuesday of the month, when there will still be some gorgeous museums you can enter for free (places that charge anywhere between $5 and $25 per ticket the rest of the month).

With Duomo, you’ll have to pay for a ticket no matter the time of the month you go, but there are a few tips I can give you to get the most out of the experience:

• Only purchase from the official website or on-site
• Check discount policies
• If you’re reasonably fit, choose the Combo Stairs ticket instead of the Combo Lift – there are only 200 stairs, the lines for the lift can get insane during specific times of the day, and there’s no descending lift, so you’ll still have to make your way down by foot
• Make use of the 10% discount code for the gift shop that comes with any Combo Ticket

Now when it comes to bars, the best places to go for those on a budget are definitely neighborhoods like Porta Romana or Porta Venezia, where cocktails cost anywhere between $8 and $10.

If you’re set on having a drink with a gorgeous view of the Duomo, my top recommendation would be SunEleven Rooftop Bar – for just $16 a cocktail you get great service and the most incredible backdrop.

So, with all of that said, what can you expect the average day in Milan to cost you?

• Airbnb – $45
• Breakfast + coffee (espresso) – $6
• Sightseeing + museum tour – $0
• Lunch – $18
• Cocktail – $10
• Dinner – $15

All of that adds up to a total of $94, well under $100.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

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

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

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

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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