United Airlines just released its newest seasonal report, pointing to what’s shaping up to be one of the busiest springs in travel history.
Over 20 million people are expected to fly on this airline alone in less than a month.
While a major player in the industry, it is just part of the unbelievably large carrier network helping travelers finalize their plans this season.
Still, that’s more than enough data to shed some light on some truly fascinating trends, the most important of which is figuring out where people are heading off to these upcoming months, and according to United’s booking numbers, the verdict is in!
So, strap in, and let’s explore the 3 most popular destinations of the season.
Ultimate Beach Escape: Cancun Tops the Spring Break List
Considering just how much Cancun has been on the news lately for its record-breaking tourism achievements, this list couldn’t start any other way.
Between all the gorgeous resorts, paradisic beaches, and most importantly, the fact that it’s someplace that feels tropical and remote even though it’s just a couple-of-hours flight away from most U.S. destinations, Cancun has (rightfully) become the ultimate beachy escape.
The weather right now is also what I’d consider perfect, with temperatures ranging between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C) – my fellow avid beachgoers know that it really can’t get any better than this!
Spring breakers will also be happy to hear that Mandala Beach Club, The City, Coco Bongo, Palazzo, and Daddy’O will be throwing some of the most unforgettable parties in Cancun this season, so make sure to check out their events schedule.
There is one thing I do want to warn you about, though.
United’s report revealed that the busiest day of the season will be March 25th, and since there’ll be so many people heading off to Cancun specifically, it’d be best to skip traveling on (or too close to) that date if possible.
The airline also suggests scheduling your flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday, which, while still relatively busy, are still the slowest days of the week.
Travelers seeking a more laid-back but still fun experience this spring are flocking to Orlando, which you all know by now as the “Theme Park Capital of the World.”
There’s no need for me to explain what makes Disney World and Universal Orlando so great – if you’re already thinking about going to the sunny Floridian hub this spring, chances are these parks are what’s drawing you in in the first place.
However, there’s a lot to love about Orlando beyond the thrilling rides.
Between all the Broadway-style shows, live performances, and entire shopping districts that are nothing short of a shopaholic’s dream, it’s safe to say that your time will be well spent even outside of theme parks.
Right now, there are even some great deals running for those who want to book their hotel and Universal Resort Orlando tickets in one go – you can save up to 25% and even get early park admission if you go for the first package on this list.
Escape the Ordinary: Vegas Thrills You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
If some good ol’ family-friendly fun isn’t enough to get you out of your mid-season rut, you can always opt for Vegas, a city that’s famous for being anything but boring.
However, gambling and clubbing are far from the only ways to pass your time in Sin City, though, let’s face it, if you’re coming here, it would be a faux pas not to indulge, at least a little bit.
Temperatures in Vegas right now are ranging between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C) – they’ll cool you down after a long night of dancing and they’ll keep you nice and warm during those long sightseeing strolls throughout the day.
Here, you’ll also get a chance to see some of your all-time favorite artists perform live, and currently, the line-up of musicians holding shows in Vegas is pretty impressive.
Carrie Underwood, Kylie Minogue, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Garth Brooks, Tony Braxton, Shania Twain, and Kelly Clarkson are just a few of the names performing in Vegas during the spring months – you can get more info on the actual dates here.
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.
United Airlines, one of the favorites for American travelers, just dropped some exciting news for those still planning out their trips in 2024.
So many cool places are already surging in popularity this year, but United is ready to take travelers across the skies and over oceans to some incredible destinations.
With the travel industry showing no signs of slowing down, more and more airlines are adding new routes to their networks.
For United, their route map is already jam-packed, but one popular city for Americans is being added for the first time in the airline’s history.
United Airlines Announces New Nonstop Flights to Marrakesh
Across the vast Atlantic is one of the best destinations to immerse yourself in out-of-body cultural experiences.
There is no U.S. city that comes even close to being comparable to the medieval city of Marrakesh, Morocco.
Beginning October 24th, Americans will be able to fly nonstop from Newark (EWR) and spend their days perusing mazes of alleyways and bustling souks and snapping photos of breathtaking architecture, such as the Koutoubia Mosque.
This new route will be the only direct U.S. flight to Marrakesh. Travelers can choose from three weekly flights on a Boeing 767-300ER plane.
However, tickets are not on sale just yet, but travelers are encouraged to continue checking United.com for updates!
Explore the City of Eternal Spring: Medellin with United
Colombia is super popular with travelers right now, but it does come with a mixed bag of reviews.
Depending on where you go, the country can be quite iffy when it comes to tourist safety, even resulting in a fairly recent security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy.
That being said, Medellin has long been a haven for expats, and even more so now that the digital nomad craze has taken over.
Given its warm climate, The ‘City of Eternal Spring’ is an awesome, affordable getaway any time of year to explore this scenic mountainous city.
Travelers will have to wait until October 27th to book a trip here with United, the airline’s first time ever venturing into Medellin.
The new flight will take off from Houston (IAH) with daily service. Tickets for this route are not yet on sale either.
United Airlines Announces New Nonstop Flights to Shanghai
Is 2024 the year Americans are ready to embrace China as one of the premiere destinations in Asia? Time will tell.
United is not the only airline heading back to one of the most iconic countries on the planet, but surely travelers will feel more comfortable taking one of their favorite carriers.
This new Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG) route is a reboot. For obvious reasons, it was shut down in recent years, but China is open for business again.
Despite travelers’ hesitations, the former popular route is now ready for a relaunch. Travelers can head to the vibrant bustling city of Shanghai with flight offerings four times per week beginning August 29th.
Unlike the other new routes, tickets are on sale already, and prices are a doozy! Round-trip Economy seats go between $1500 and $1700, while Business Class seats go upwards of $ 5,500.
Bonus: New Connection Route To Paradise
The Philippines is one of the most beautiful and affordable exotic getaways in Asia. Truth be told, more Americans have found their way there for its wondrous landscapes, safety, and minimal language barriers.
While the capital city of Manila is a worthwhile trip in its own right, a trip to the Philippines without visiting one of the country’s many stunning islands would be a real shame.
United has laser-focused on Cebu as the latest destination added to its network, but U.S. travelers will have to make a bit of a longer trek to reach it.
The official new route will begin July 31st from Tokyo (NRT) to Cebu (CEB) with daily flights on a 737-800 aircraft.
Americans can easily connect from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Newark, and Houston and arrive in paradise, where a bustling city and jaw-dropping beaches await.
Cebu is very affordable and is slowly but surely becoming more popular for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why.
This narrow island stretches over 100 miles with gorgeous beaches dispersed across the coastline, and historic Cebu City itself, the former capital of the Philippines, is quite an underrated concrete jungle.
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.
While hordes of travelers will be flocking to beaches this spring, let’s not forget how awesome U.S. National Parks can be.
Tourism records are being shattered all across the globe, but some surprising statistics released by the National Park Service showcase one state with a few records of its own.
Alaska may seem far-flung and inaccessible, but that’s really not the case at all.
This massive state may be set apart from the mainland, but it’s not stopping travelers from exploring what some say is the last frontier of America.
Glacier Bay National Park
It’s hard to comprehend the sheer size of Alaska. Try to wrap your brain around this – Alaska is home to 8 National Parks and Glacier Bay alone is3.3 million acresof scenic fjords, breathtaking mountains, pristine calm waters, and crystalline glaciers.
That is both figuratively and literally the tip of the iceberg, as this massive park is just a fraction of a 25 million-acre World Heritage Site, which is one of the biggest protected natural areas in the world.
One glance at Glacier Bay makes it easy to see why it’s worthy of a bucket list. The park welcomed 703,659 visitors, and among the most common ways to visit is by cruise, a mega-popular method of seeing Alaska’s top natural wonders.
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to some of the most stunning scenery in America? And of course during cooler months, it’s nice to have a heater!
Although, it’s just as fun, if not more, to get up close and personal exploring the wild, remote land for the ultimate adventure.
There are no designated trails in the park, yet beaches, meadows and glacier-free areas are mostly walkable.
Klondike Gold Rush
Visitors trekking through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park get a history lesson, all while enjoying the incredible sights and sounds of nature.
Rave reviews abound for both the train and Klondike with park guests highlighting horseback riding, wildlife viewing and ‘gorgeous views’.
Parks Of The Northwest Arctic Borough
Even some of the least visited National Parks are seeing a surge and setting new records. The Northwest Arctic Borough is the perfect example of why some may see Alaska as a far flung destination.
While cities such as Fairbanks and Anchorage are relatively easy to reach, going off-path in Alaska is another story entirely.
But as the famous Ralph Waldo Emerson saying goes, “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey”.
Reaching the Northwest Arctic Borough can be a trek, but this stunning region of the state is home to a cluster of parks not often visited, yet visited enough last year to claim new records.
Kobuk National Park is only reachable by plane, giving these parks ultimate bucket list status. The other pair are Noatak National Preserve and Cape Krusenstern National Monument, reachable by plane or boat in the summer.
Compared to mega popular National Parks, like Yellowstone, the parks visitation numbers look low simply due to the fact they’re harder to reach.
Those who have made the arduous trek loved ‘flightseeing’ and immersing themselves in the wild to see untouched nature in its finest form, where some parts are so remote you could hear a pin drop in the forest.
Kobuk, in particular, is home to stunning sand dunes that are completely unexpected in this climate.
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.
The Mexican Caribbean is known not only for being home to award-winning luxurious resorts and a fascinating ancient Mayan heritage but also for islands of outstanding natural beauty, with one in particular, Isla Mujeres, leading booking trends this season.
There are many reasons why tourists flock to the ‘Isla’, but the main attraction is definitely the unspoiled reserves, and more specifically, this paradisaical beach that’s made it to TripAdvisor’s list of the 25 best in the world.
A pristine sandy stretch bounded by the turquoise-colored ocean, Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres is considered the best beach in the Mexican Caribbean:
Why Are Nomads Flocking Into Isla Mujeres?
Located just off the mainland, a short 30-minute ferry ride away from Cancun, Isla Mujeres has been a popular destination for Americans for years due to its wild nature, casual vibes, and traditional island cuisine.
It is a small island municipality with a population of around 13,000 inhabitants. It is dotted with charming seaside settlements and enjoys lower levels of urbanization compared to the mainland, so it can feel less chaotic and arguably a lot safer.
Isla Mujeres is deemed one of the safest destinations in Mexico, with a lower crime rate and petty theft as the main issue facing tourists, but other than the quaintness and high levels of safety, it is a literal paradise on Earth and a tropical haven lapped by soft, white sands.
There are many gorgeous spots to consider if you’ve set out to find the most beautiful beach in town, but the indisputable winner, as anyone who has explored Isla Mujeres extensively will be able to attest, is Playa Norte, or ‘North Beach’.
Why Playa Norte Is The Best Beach In The Mexican Caribbean
As the name suggests, it is located on the northern tip of the island, and it’s best known for its thin sands, sandwiched between a row of tall palms and impossibly clear teal waters, which owe their unique tonality to the surrounding reef.
The water is warm year-round and shallow, making this a family-friendly location, and there are also a number of beach bars and restaurants in the nearby Guerrero Avenue, where visitors can sample some delicious seafood, the island’s specialty, and find reasonably-priced drinks.
Water-based activities are common, too.
From snorkeling in the neighboring reef to paddleboarding and kayaking, there are a number of activities tourists spending the day or even staying overnight in Playa Norte can choose from.
It is one of three beaches on the island to have earned the coveted Blue Flag certification from authorities, which recognizes the efforts of local management to keep the area clean and safe for visitors, and it’s the equivalent to a badge of excellence for beaches.
Perhaps it’s no surprise this beach currently as the 24th best beach in the entire world on TripAdvisor, based solely on user reviews during the preceding year: it’s essentially a permanent feature on the list at this point, and the highest-ranking Mexican Caribbean beach at that.
The only other Mexican beach to feature on the list is La Balandra, in La Paz, over on the Pacific side, and based on Playa Norte’s rave reviews, with 8,256 impressions accumulated so far on TripAdvisor at the time of writing, it is one of Mexico’s best-loved swimming spots.
It is variously described by TripAdvisor members as ‘nicest beach on the island‘, ‘beautiful’ and ‘fabulous’, with one Kansas visitor in particular claiming one ‘short’ day is not nearly enough time, serving as encouragement to others to plan a longer sojourn in Isla Mujeres.
What Are The Most Common Complaints Among Tourists?
Complaints are mostly restricted to crowding and inflated prices in some restaurants and bars, though the general consensus seems that it is not so much that the tourist experience is compromised.
Playa Norte is no wild, tourist-free beach, but it can feel a lot more relaxed compared to Cancun’s resort-packed riviera, not to mention that, during sargassum season, it remains largely unaffected while other parts of Quintana Roo are struggling with the phenomenon.
That is because of its privileged, north-facing location, in a zone where currents do not typically carry sargassum, and cleaning efforts by local workers help maintain the waters crystal-clear and the sands their natural, virgin-white self.
All in all, it’s nothing short of spectacular, and Isla Mujeres as a whole should not be underestimated as a stand-alone destination, either, when it hosts a number of five-star hotels, snorkeling and scuba diving centers, marine preserves, and even Mayan ruins.
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.
After traveling to every Latin country in South America as a solo traveler, there’s one that stands out to me as being the best.
It’s really hard to choose when South America is full of so many diverse and beautiful countries, but if I had to recommend just one country, this would be it.
Argentina is my favorite country in South America, and I think it’s the best destination on the continent for solo travelers as well.
Here’s why I love Argentina so much, and what makes it perfect for solo travelers.
Along with neighboring Chile and Uruguay, Argentina is among the safest countries in South America. Especially for solo female travelers, this is very important.
I felt very safe the entire time I was in Argentina as a solo female traveler.
The only thing you really have to watch out for is petty theft in certain areas of Buenos Aires — always be vigilant and keep your purse, wallet, phone, and other valuables close.
A Beautiful And Vibrant Capital City
Buenos Aires is where I spent the most time in Argentina (over a month) and I can easily say that it’s one of my favorite cities in the world!
It’s a world-class capital city that is often referred to as the “Paris of the South” because of its European influences in culture and architecture. I also found that it reminded me a lot of New York — it’s also a city that never sleeps!
You can never be bored in Buenos Aires because there’s always something going on.
As a solo traveler, you can explore the city’s many museums and stroll through its parks and gardens, dive into a new neighborhood through a walking tour, or experience the city’s nightlife.
Some of my favorite spots in the city include the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), a great art museum, and the Jardín Japonés, a tranquil Japanese garden that’s an oasis in the middle of the busy city.
Easy To Make Friends
One thing I loved about Argentina was how easy it was to make friends, both locals and other travelers.
Argentinians as a whole are very warm and friendly, and in Buenos Aires, it was really easy to connect with locals and meet new friends.
I also found it easy to meet other travelers, some of whom were just visiting Argentina for a short time and others who were digital nomads and expats staying long-term.
Some great ways to meet friends while traveling are to stay in hostels or join group activities such as walking tours, cooking classes, tango lessons, language exchanges, and so on.
Stunning Natural Beauty
Argentina is an amazing country filled with diverse landscapes and natural beauty — although as the eighth largest country in the world, you could spend many months exploring and still not see it all!
Since Argentina is such a large country, you will probably need to take domestic flights to get around (unless you enjoy 18-hour bus rides that won’t even save you that much money!)
Some of the best places to visit in Argentina are the Patagonia region in the south (especially if you love hiking), Iguazu Falls which is on the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the otherworldly desert landscapes around Salta in the north.
My personal favorite place in Argentina was Iguazu Falls — it’s easy to visit independently from Buenos Aires, just hop on a short flight to Puerto Iguazu and spend a couple of days exploring the national parks on the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls.
Affordable Prices
Finally, you can’t talk about Argentina without mentioning how affordable it is.
Argentina has experienced an ongoing financial crisis for years now that has caused extreme inflation and currency fluctuations for locals.
However, for travelers, this has made Argentina extremely cheap thanks to the unofficial “Dolar Blue” and the preferential “Dolar MEP” exchange rates that effectively double your money.
I was shocked by how affordable Argentina was, with nice meals out in Buenos Aires often costing less than $10 and Uber rides anywhere in the city costing just $2-3.
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.
Those in the know would agree – the Midwest is best.
Often overlooked as a fun getaway given the cold, gloomy winter weather and lack of beaches, some U.S. cities can still claim ‘underrated’ status.
Travelers are searching high and far for cool places to visit, and some of them can be found right here in our own backyard.
Take Louisville, for example. Not exactly a household name, yet it’s becoming increasingly popular. Or maybe Charlotte, where the city saw more visitors than ever before last year.
Some of the most unassuming cities are the most pleasantly surprising. Now it’s St. Louis’s turn.
Here are 5 reasons why you should visit this underrated U.S. city:
The Eiffel Tower Of The Midwest
Unmissable among the pretty skyline of St. Louis is the famous Gateway Arch. Standing tall along perhaps the even more famous Mississippi River, this American icon received more visitors than it has in a decade.
Over 2.4 million people flocked to the Arch in 2023. Although famous arches are known for serving billions, this particular Arch’s feat is still impressive.
All U.S. cities have their own unique attractions, but it’s fair to say this is the Midwest’s version of the Eiffel Tower. It’s certainly not Paris, Texas.
It is one of the most Instagramable sites in this region of the States. Tourists are coming in droves for sweeping views of the waterfront park and scenic cityscape.
Just like the Eiffel Tower and another U.S. icon, the Statue of Liberty, visitors go inside for even better views and photo ops.
Free Attractions
While visiting the Arch isn’t free unless you just want to chill at the park, other awesome attractions won’t cost a penny.
That is unless you would like to make a donation or can’t score a parking space. No payment is required for entry to some of Missouri’s best museums.
These top museums are all free:
Saint Louis Art Museum
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Missouri History Museum
Saint Louis Science Center
Additionally, one of the top-rated zoos in America is free. The Saint Louis Zoo, as well as the above museums, are all located in the gorgeous Forest Park in the heart of the city.
Over 1,300 acres of open fields and walking trails make this beaut St. Louis’s version of Central Park, if you will.
More Culture Than One Might Expect
As far as world travel goes, St. Louis is easily passed over when thinking of booking your next trip. However, this city is full of surprises, especially when it comes to culture.
The Hill, as it’s known, is one of the most authentic Italian neighborhoods in the U.S. You can skip Olive Garden’s Tour of Italy and head straight to the hill for savory Italian cuisine perpetually on any street in this charming district.
Soulard is another cultural neighborhood worth exploring. While the most famous event, Soulard Mardi Gras, has already passed this year, mark it on your calendar for next year.
Until then, enjoy this historical area of St. Louis lined with charming red-brick buildings and, of course, the Anheuser-Busch brewery, as you are in America’s heartland for brewskis.
Stunning Nature Within Close Reach
St. Louis is a city worth exploring, but it is relatively small compared to other major cities. One might be surprised the city’s population is under 300,000 according to the latest census.
That being said, going outside the city limits is well worth a trip, too, as charming small towns and stunning nature abound in the Mark Twain National Forest.
There are multiple access points within 2 hours, the closest being through the pint-size town of Potosi.
With so many cave systems, waterways and serene hiking trails, this is one of the most underrated destinations to immerse yourself in nature.
So Affordable
With rising rents and costs across the board, there are few affordable U.S. cities left that are actually worth visiting.
St. Louis is one of them and could make for a highly underrated digital nomad base. With all the free attractions, stunning nature, and fun things to do, St. Louis is a great affordable escape.
Those interested in long-terms stays can find centrally located apartments in the $800’s and serviced apartments on Airbnb just over $1000 per month.
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.
As a digital nomad based in Europe, I have traveled extensively around the continent, working remotely from every country you can possibly name across the pond, from the tourist hotspots of France and Italy to the lesser-known Baltic states and the multicultural Balkan Peninsula.
Nope, I haven’t skipped the millionaire-owned micro-state of Monaco, war-raging Russia and its neighbors, nor newly-born Kosovo, one of the poorest states in Europe,
With over 40 European countries under my belt, I was bound to have a personal favorite by now.
That one special place that keeps pulling me back, where I could actually see myself staying longer than the usual three months or even putting down roots at some point down the line, and that somehow feels like my home away from home.
When I set out to visit every European country as a digital nomad, never would I have expected an unheard-of, post-communist state most tourists mistakenly believe to be dangerous, and even not worth seeing, to rank at the top of the list by the end of the five-year journey, yet here we are.
It’s beautiful Albania that stole my heart, and this is why I believe it is the strongest contender for European Digital Nomad Capital:
Why Albania Of All Places?
Unless you’ve been country-hopping around Europe as a tourist for a while, having had to come up with ingenious ways to extend your stay beyond the restrictive 90-day Schengen rule, it is unlikely you have passed through Albania, much less heard of it.
We’re here to remedy that together, but first, where even is Albania?
Geography isn’t everyone’s forte, so I won’t dawdle and waste your time going into the specifics of it: all you have to know it is located across the Adratic sea from Italy, and just north of Greece.
We know what you’re thinking: if it borders these two popular vacation spots, could Albania be yet another off-path Mediterranean destination waiting on the sidelines to be discovered?
The short answer is a resounding Yes!, and the shocking part is it’s been deliberately concealed for decades.
What we mean by that is it was actually kept hidden, so we wouldn’t blame you for not having the foggiest idea about Albania beforehand: as customary in Eastern Europe in the 20th century, the country was ruled by an iron-fisted communist regime.
Why Haven’t You Heard Of Albania Before?
Albania’s dictatorship was among the harshest in Europe, with very few people being allowed to leave the territory, and likewise, only a select number of visitors were allowed to enter well into the 90s, meaning this wing of the Mediterranean was virtually off-limits only three decades ago.
In case you’ve been wondering, Albania is now an open, progressive state, having adopted democratic principles since the collapse of communism and being on a firm path to aligning with the Western World: it joined NATO in 2009, and it has applied to become a member of the European Union.
The latter aspiration has not been as successful yet, but we’ll get into that soon enough – the question is, why has this unsung, troubled nation surpassed every other Southern European competitor to become my safe haven as a digital nomad?
I don’t know about you, but like any self-proclaimed Europhile, this continent’s immense cultural wealth was a decisive factor in my decision to stay a whole five years so far, and my dear fellow nomads, sure Albania has a lot going for it on the culture front:
Hospitality Is At The Heart Of Albanian Culture
Albania is a one-of-a-kind-country, in the sense that its language (Albanian) is not closely-related to any other languages on the periphery, like Serbo-Croatian or Bulgarian share similitaries, and its culture is markedly different from the Slavic-dominated Southeastern Europe.
Family is extremely important, and it’s not uncommon to find nuclei of relatives living together in the same neighborhood, or even the same street, and to them, hospitality is not only a long-standing tradition, but a national value.
In the words of renowned Albanian novelist Ismail Kadare, who couldn’t have phrased it better:
‘Of God and the guest, you see. So, before it is the house of its master, it is the house of one’s guest. The guest, in an Albanian’s life, represents the supreme ethical category, more important than blood relations. One may pardon the man who spills the blood of one’s father or of one’s son, but never the blood of a guest.’
There were certainly occasions where Airbnb hosts would invite me to partake in rounds of raki tasting shortly after we’ve made acquaintances, and hospitable locals would invite me back to theirs to share high-spirited conversations and a hot meal.
As a digital nomad traveling solo, actively seeking to distance himself from other expats to fully immerse in the local way of life, it was definitely not a challenge to befriend Albanians, even if the older generations are more proficient in Italian than they are in English.
If anything, my rusty Italian and poor attempts at mouthing basic words in Albanian would get me humorous smiles in response, friendly pats on the shoulder, and more raki invitations: I’m not sure previous writers have coined this already, but Albanians are the Latin Americans of Europe.
The Whole Of Albania Should Be A UNESCO Heritage Site
We know you’re here for some of that Old World flair, the cobbled towns with origins lost to time, and fairytale castles Disney has tried their best to emulate in kitsch theme parks, and you’ll be glad to know Albania has its fair share of manmade wonders.
From the Accursed Mountains in the north, home to the ethnic village of Theth, best known for its rustic cottages and solitary church, to the medieval citadel in Kruje, south towards a UNESCO-listed, Ottoman-built Berat, and the Stone City of Gjirokaster, this country’s beauty is truly boundless.
The 296-mile long Mediterranean coast is littered with historic port cities as well, including Durres, where a 5th-century castle still stands, the charming Vlore, with its Italian-inspired, pastel Old Town, and the hilltop, whitewashed village of Dhermi, overlooking the turquoise sea.
If you’re looking forward to wearing your Indy Jones hat again, Butrint is a vast archaeological zone dating back to the 10th century BC, encompassing flooded Byzantine palaces, partially-preserved colonnaded agoras, and a landmark Greek theater.
The point is, Albania may not be as popular as some of its closest neighbors, for the reasons already outlined above, but it certainly does not suffer from a shortage of heritage sites. In fact, it’s almost as if it’s taken a page from the book of every other Mediterranean hub in the vicinity:
A Potpourri Of Everything That’s Great About Europe
With Its Own Little Albanian Twist
Some of its settlements are as ancient as Italy’s, it is just as warm as Greece’s, beaches as pristine as Croatia’s, the local cuisine rivals Spain’s, and it is as topographically diverse as France, with a territory that comprises both towering alpine peaks and a subtropical coast.
I’m not averse to harsh winters myself, and I’m a firm believer that, in order to truly appreciate the balmy days of summer, you need to experience the changing of the seasons, but if you can live without the occasional snow, coastal Albania will not disappoint.
Temperatures can plummet to negative levels in northern Albania, but much of the coast remains perfectly sunny and a pleasant 64°F. Having visited in February myself, I was surprised to find that the additional wool coats and puffer jackets I packed ‘in case’ were not at all necessary.
If you’re hell-bent on escaping the cold, the laid-back coastal village of Ksamil, a stone’s throw away from the lively harbor city of Saranda, is where your best bet at year-round springtime weather, with its lemon trees, soft white-sand beaches and teal-colored waters.
Don’t Come To Albania On A Strict Diet
Albania may be isolated in terms of language and culture, but the food served in Albanian homes and restaurants is typically Mediterranean and Eurasian in character, having been heavily influenced by Italy, Slavic gastronomic practices, and even Turkish cuisine.
Its cheese and spinach-filled, flaky-dough byrek pastry is a variation of the Turkish burek, the cold cucumber soup takes direct inspiration from Bulgaria’s tarator, and I could certainly draw parallels between Gjirokaster’s qifqi rice balls and the more mainstream Italian arancini.
That being said, there are a number of native delicacies only Albania can lay claim to, with my personal favorites being the deep-fried petulla fritter, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, typically served with butter and jam, and tavë kosi, lamb baked in yogurt.
Given Albania’s ample selection of dairy and hearty meat-based dishes, not to mention the fresh seafood and fruit growing in abundance in the verdant hinterland, rest assured you’ll never go hungry here, whether you’re staying in a small qytet on the shores of the Adriatic, or the sprawling capital city of Tirana.
How Nomad-Friendly Is Albania?
How about digital nomad infrastructure, a.k.a. long-term rentals, availability of coworking cafes, foreigner-friendly services, and so on?
I’ll be honest with you: outside major urban centers, life as a remote worker can be challenging (at times).
That is particularly true in the off-season, when restaurants and guesthouses on the coast typically close down, and getting around without a car is an adventure you don’t want to embark on.
Albania is nothing short of stunning, but it’s years behind in development compared to the average European country.
For that reason, I would recommend you spend most of your time in a large city like Tirana, where there’s enough of a social scene and nighttime services to keep you entertained, as well as bus connections to the resort zones on the Adriatic coast, unless a quaint village life resonates with you.
Tirana Beyond The Grey Clusters Of Communist Apartment Blocks
Tirana may not be the prettiest of capitals – much of the old city has been razed to the ground in favor of a modernist makeover – but you can’t deny it is intriguing, with communist-era bunker museums, artifical lakes and eccentric high-rises making up the tourist offer.
If you’re a regular cafe-goer, you should probably know Albania is a global leader in the number of cafes, with around 654 such establishments per 100,000 inhabitants.
There are no Starbucks around, but there are plenty of local-owned and Mulliri Vjeter coffeehouses around.
Mulliri Vjeter is the oldest coffee chain in Albania, and stores are typically rustic in character, offering visiting nomads free WiFi and a cozy nook to work from. Central Tirana is loaded with those, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss their signature Capuccino Chocomel.
It’s truly no wonder Tirana has proudly taken up the mantle of Europe’s center for digital nomadism, hosting a Digital Nomad Conference since 2022 and with an expat community that continues to grow year after year.
The Top 5 Best Digital Nomad Destinations In Albania
The way I see it, the top five best destinations for digital nomads in Albania are:
Tirana: the exciting capital city, packed with quirky cafes, oozing urban art, and full of verdant parks for temporarily escaping the city crowds and crazy traffic
Shkoder: the cultural heart of Northern Albania, famous for its revitalized, restaurant-lined Old Town and an imposing 2,400-year-old Rozafa Castle
Durres: the busiest port, offering ferry connections to Italy and littered with Roman and Venetian-era landmarks
Saranda: the largest city in the Albanian Riviera, bounded by the teal-colored waters of the Adriatic and within short driving distance of the up-and-coming leisure zone of Ksamil
Elbasan: the fourth-largest city in Albania, and one of its food meccas, where I tried the best jani me fasule on the trip (make sure you add Taverna Kala to your list of restaurants)
Albania Is The Cheapest Country I’ve Been In Europe
It only took me a couple of days of being in Albania to understand, at least in part, why nomads like me are finding an unlikely home in this overlooked Adriatic gem: prices are the cheapest I’ve seen anywhere in Europe.
On average, Albania is 40.6% less expensive than Western Europe, with meals in inexpensive restaurants costing an acceptable $10.43, based on data gathered by Numbeo, and monthly expenses for a single person capping at roughly $700, excluding rent.
Even though accommodation costs aren’t included in this estimate, rent can be up to 69% cheaper than Paris or London, two overpriced cities that will wipe your wallet clean if you’re not careful enough. Luckily, living costs are nowhere near as exorbitant in Albania.
A quick Airbnb search led me to find seafront condos in Vlore for only $617 per month this April, whole apartments with dedicated workspaces in Saranda for a negligible $343, while in Tirana, there are private, centrally-situated flats for as cheap as $520 monthly.
It Is Incredibly Safe For Foreigners
Not only is Albania remarkably cheap to live in, it is just as safe as fellow Southern European states Italy and Spain.
That’s not my own judgment, but the U.S. State Department’s, which officially considers Albania a low-risk destination, as seen here.
Having spent most of my time between Tirana, Shkoder and Durres, never once did I feel unsafe walking the streets during the day, or get ‘jumpy’ in crowded areas, as much as I normally do in busier areas of Barcelona, or sketchy zones of South Dublin.
While I wouldn’t take my chances going for a late evening stroll in Tirana – Albanian cities are not particularly well-lit at night – crime levels are under acceptable levels, and visitors are rarely, if ever, affected by violence.
Your main concern here is pickpocketing, though I never felt the need to hide my phone when out in public, and judging by the amount of jewelry Albanian women wear and the fancy sportscars the men drive, nobody’s visibly excessively worried about petty theft, either.
Naturally, general safety advice applies, but odds are you’ll be fine. Once I was lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of crashing waves at a busy Ksamil beach, with my laptop bag by my side, and I startlingly woke up to find it still untouched where I left it.
I’m not sure this fortunate outcome was an exception to the rule, or whether Albania is really so safe your personal unattended items will be probably be left alone, but it doesn’t change the fact I’ve never felt on edge, nor remotely suspicious of people around me.
Believe it or not, I’ve saved the best for last:
Are You A U.S. Passport Holder?
You Can Stay An Entire Year In Albania
Every digital nomad based in Europe has a love-and-hate relationship with Schengen.
In case you’re not familiar with the term, it corresponds to a 27-country-strong, passport-free zone where customary cross-border checks typically do not apply.
All of Europe’s top destinations are signatories to Schengen. I’m talking France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Spain, and the list goes on: flying, taking trains, or boarding ferries between any of the Schengen states, you will not be subject to passport control.
The only downside to Schengen? You can only be present in the Schengen territories for 90 days out of any 180-day period. In other words, if you’ve used up your 90 days in Spain, another Schengen country can’t be your next destination for another three months.
In Albania’s case, the strict Schengen policy does not apply, as it is not a member of the European Union (EU), and is not bound to join the borderless area anytime soon in the future.
Foreign nationals get a whole 90 day-stay in Albania, irrespective of time spent elsewhere in Europe.
If you’re an American citizen, however, you’re issued a whole year-long tourist visa upon arrival, on the basis of being a U.S. passport holder alone, making Albania the perfect long-term destination, if you’re not merely looking for a grey zone to wait for your Schengen clock to reset.
Despite being outside the EU, Albania remains at the heart of Europe, sharing land borders with four other countries, and boasting low-cost flight connections to the entire continent, with fares starting from $19 on Ryanair.
What Are Some Of The Main Downsides About Life As A Nomad In Albania?
What are some of the negative aspects about life in Albania as a digital nomad, you may be asking?
I have already touched on some of those throughout this article, but I would say some of the main ones include:
The lack of public transport (good luck getting from point A to B if you’re not renting a car and you have reservations about hitchhiking)
With the exception of the main motorways linking Tirana to the coastal ports and resort towns, the regional road network can be quite precarious, with lots of potholes and missing road signs (if you’re driving, I would advise against hitting the gas, especially after sundown when visibility is lower)
Reception can be poor in remote areas, particularly up in the mountains, so make sure you save your drafts working from your computer during that bumpy ride up the Accursed range, or you might have to write that 1,500-word article from scratch again (not that it’s happened to me…)
This is no spotless, idyllic, First-World European country: basically, as much as you try to turn a blind eye, you can’t easily ignore the poverty-stricken areas
Nomad-friendly facilities, like work-friendly cafes and coworking offices may be harder to come across outside cities like Tirana, Shkoder and Durres (I would add Berat and Gjirokaster, but compared to the capital city, they are not even close to being considered well-equipped)
Social attitudes in Albania are pretty carefree, considering this is one of Europe’s handful of Muslim-majority countries, but I wouldn’t encourage you to show affection with your same-sex partner in public if you don’t want to get grumpy Albanian nonos to curse you lowly, or more rarely, an unfriendly shoulder bump
If you’re flying, your only way into and out of Albania is via Tirana: mind-boggling as it may be, there are no airports yet on the Adriatic Coast, and the country’s only other operational international airport is located in Kukës, near the Kosovo border (with a single seasonal flight route to Basel in Switzerland)*
*The easiest way to get to Southern Albania is actually flying first to the Greek island of Corfu, which lies just offshore, and then take a ferry to Saranda. The journey takes just over half an hour on average.
Needless to say, the good far outweighs the bad, and I can’t wait to be back in Albania myself this summer. I’m now based in Paris, and there’s no way I’m sticking around to see how utterly anarchic this city will get once the Olympics – or should I say Hunger Games? – commence.
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.
France may be the number one tourist destination globally, hosting over 100 million annual visitors and being the proud home of the landmark Eiffel Tower, the world’s gastronomic capital and a cultural hub of the first order, but it’s far from being a popular ‘workcation’ spot for digital nomads.
If their preference for Southeast Asia or Latin America is any indication, they actively avoid expensive destinations, and to put it simply, France isn’t exactly known for being the budget alternative, especially when rent alone in Paris can set you back by $1,730 per month.
On the other hand, there is nothing quite like waking up to freshly-baked baguettes from the local boulangerie every day, strolling verdant city parks, and working from a traditional French cafe with views of remarkable architectural feats: if anything, it’s soul-elevating.
But is it possible to work remotely from France, partake in that unrivaled joie de vivre, and still not break the bank?
If it’s the charming Montpellier where you’re headed, instead of the overtouristed City of Lights, then you might just get away with it:
Montpellier Is The Digital Nomad Capital Of France
According to Nomad List, the number one platform for tracking nomad trends worldwide, Montpellier is the top-ranking nomad destination in France, beating Lyon, Nice, and even Paris, with a total score of 3.36/5. For comparison, Paris scores 2.95/5.
Unless you’re a Francophile, however, or you’ve happened to have traveled overland from Spain into France, with a stopover in Montpellier, you might not have been properly introduced to this charming city of Occitania (we must add, mainland France’s southernmost region).
So what is it about this lesser-known city that’s so special, and most importantly, what has it got to offer nomads not only on the cultural front but also in terms of infrastructure?
Also, how actually affordable is it to livein Montpellier, as opposed to visiting for a short period?
One Of The Cultural Centers Of Southern France
National borders are a relatively new concept, and in order to fully grasp the essence of Montpellier, we must first take a look at its ancient History but don’t worry, we’ll keep it light and fun for you: prior to France existing as a state, it belonged to the Crown of Aragon.
Aragon was a kingdom that existed in the Middle Ages, which evolved to become a territory in Spain.
So yes, throughout much of its early development, Montpellier was more closely associated with the neighboring sunny country than the French-speaking world proper.
It is where numerous important events took place, from the birth of James I, a Spanish king, to the establishment of one of the world’s first universities (as a matter of fact, it is still home to the oldest medical school in operation).
If you’re considering a temporary relocation to France as a remote worker, culture is likely to be in your scope of interest, and you’ll be glad to know that Montpellier is a culture-loving nomad’s playground with a wealth of historical monuments.
These include a majestic Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, the Tours des Pins et de la Babotte, two perfectly preserved examples of medieval fortifications, the beautiful Place de la Comédie, a car-free square flanked by stately buildings, and an Ancient Citadel.
Montpellier Is A Lot Warmer Than Paris
Remember how Montpellier was historically a Spanish city? It might have been purchased by France at the turn of the 14th century, but it still feels a lot more ‘Southern European’ than it does ‘French’: winters are pretty mild – it’s currently 60°F – and summers are scalding hot.
Montpellier is not exactly coastal, but it is only a 6.2-mile drive from the beach, and it definitely has a traditional Mediterranean climate. Other than the landmark-packed city itself, major attractions in the area include La Grand Motte, a seaside town, and the Palavas and Carnon beaches.
Motte is a bustling development zone distinguished for its pyramidal resorts and extended miles of thin, golden sand bordered by the azure Mediterranean, and it’s every Montpelliérain‘s go-to beach getaway at the weekends.
We get it, Montpellier has a lot going for it on the culture front, and it’s one of those Med – or marginally-Med – sunny hotspots Europeans love escaping to in the colder months, but why would nomads come here in the first place?
Why Do Nomads Love Montpellier?
The answer is simple: this is a youthful, diverse city, with one-fourth of its 277,000 residents being young students – Montpellier University is one of the oldest and most renowned, right? – and the environment is a lot livelier than in other historical French cities with aging populations.
Cities with a younger demographic tend to be naturally more open to foreigners, as students are likely to speak English as a second language, unlike older generations in France, and the social scene is considerably more active.
Additionally, the high quality of life is a huge draw for nomads, particularly Americans who live in sprawling cities made for cars: in Montpellier, you most certainly don’t need one, as it is the largest pedestrian zone in Europe.
This makes the city a lot greener and more pleasant to live in, and we can’t think of anything better than to swap Paris’ gritty, crime-ridden metro or Marseille’s intricate bus networks for Montpellier’s walkable, cafe-filled Old Quarter.
Speaking of cafes – us nomads always gravitate towards them in the end – Smartscrapers counts at least 80 such establishments in this conurbation, from your mainstream work-friendly Starbucks, to more authentic, local-owned spots.
Montpellier Is Not As Expensive As Paris
Montpellier can be less expensive to live in than other cities in France, as it is not on every tourist’s radar, miles away from other tourist hotspots (it’s a whole 464 miles from the capital, and 202 miles from Nice and its adjacent French Riviera).
Unless they are headed for Occtania specifically, they are unlikely to add sunny Montpellier to their itinerary. If anything, it makes it less crowded and not nearly as costly in Paris: according to Nomad List, it costs $3,715 per month to live in Montpellier.
That’s still pricey, considering living expenses in your average nomad hub are between $1,000 and $2,000. Still, if you’re keen on moving to France, you should know that, in general, it is not an affordable destination.
That being said, Montpellier is a far better deal than Paris, France’s number one city, or the traditional Azure Coast near the Italian border, where nomads set themselves back between $4,582 and $5,151 per month.
Finally, Montpellier is well-connected to other parts of France and other European countries. There are high-speed ‘TGV’ train connections to Paris, Marseille, and Nice, as well as cross-border service leaving from Montpellier towards Spain.
As for the local Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport, it hosts a number of low-cost flights from European, North African, and Middle Eastern hubs, such as Rome in Italy, Heraklion in Greece, and Istanbul in Turkiye.
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.
Mexico is a country every American traveler will have visited at least once in their lives.
It’s their direct neighbor to the south, making it a convenient spot to travel to, where they are welcomed with open arms and lower prices, and the warm weather just makes it impossible to resist.
This year, it is expecting a record-breaking 42.5 million guests, a majority of which will be coming from the United States, and besides Mexico’s long-standing reputation as the cultural center of the Latin World, this fresh surge in popularity is attributed to further developments on the tourism front.
Mexico’s Tourism Reinassance is in full swing, and these are 7 of the main reasons why it will continue being America’s favorite sunny getaway in 2024:
A New Scenic Train In The Country’s Most Scenic Peninsula Has Just Been Launched
Perhaps the biggest tourism project to have launched in recent years, the Maya Train is revolutionizing travel across the Caribbean states, not only connecting and improving the livelihoods of local communities but bringing tourists closer to the trendy beach towns and historical sites.
From this Summer onward, when all lines are expected to be up and running, tourists landing in Cancun will be able to travel to the world-famous archaeological site in Tulum, the turquoise-colored Lake Bacalar, and other beautiful colonial towns that were previously only accessible by road.
In sum, Americans will soon have more autonomy in planning multi-city trips in Mexico: other than being a safer, faster transport, the train could help erode the local taxi monopoly, and encourage local tour providers advertising day trips out of Cancun to reduce prices to retain customers.
A New Airport Serving The Trendiest Beach Town
The next major development that’s drawing Americans to Mexico is the opening of a brand new airport in Tulum, with affordable flights linking key U.S. hubs, such as New York, Chicago and Houston, to the trendiest beach zone in the Caribbean.
Home to the postcard view most commonly associated with the Mexican Caribbean – the iconic Mayan ruins perched on clifftops, overlooking a crystal-clear sea – Tulum relied almost exclusively on Cancun International Airport, which is a two-hour drive away, to host incoming guests.
Now, American vacationers desperate for some winter sun can fly nonstop to the rapidly-developing Mayan town without paying exorbitant landside transfer fees upon arriving to Cancun, and more routes keep getting added as demand grows.
Hurricane-Hit Acapulco Is Expected To Make A Comeback This Year
Last year, Hurricane Otis wreaked havoc upon Acapulco, a traditional resort town in the Mexican Pacific famous for its high-rise buildings, long miles of sandy beaches, and riotous nightlife, littering the boardwalk, closing down hotels, and essentially putting the brakes on tourism.
According to a new report issued by the Mexican Government, though damage from the event has been significant, the community is approaching a full recovery, with reconstruction underway, health brigades already done with most of the cleaning, and tourist services having resumed.
4,534 rooms are already available for booking out of 127 hotels, equaling to roughly 45% of the total occupancy, and lucky for incoming tourists, a majority of those centered around the upscale Zonas Tradicional and Dorada.
Americans Are Hungrier For Culture, And There’s No Better Place To Find It Than Mexico
Unlike the United States, where remnants of the original English colonies, or even traces of more distant civilizations are hard to come by, Mexico is littered with historical sites, with every major city featuring colonial zones, and over 200 Mayan and Aztec sites scattered around the territory.
This cultural wealth makes it inherently fascinating to Americans, who in their vast majority will have never set foot inside 500-year-old cathedrals, climbed step pyramids, admired traditional architecture, nor come into contact with any ancient culture whatsoever.
This year, Mexican authorities have made great strides in highlighting the country’s invaluable and diverse heritage, including the establishment of a Gastronomic Corridor in the colonial heart of storied Merida and reviving historical settlements through their ‘Pueblos Magicos‘ initiative.
There’s never been a better time to take a plunge into Mexican History than now, when colonial tourism is at its peak and new exciting archaeological discoveries are on the horizon: just last year, four unheard-of Mayan ruins opened to the general public for the first time ever.
2024 Is The Year Inland Mexico Gets The Attention It Deserves
Speaking of lesser-known gems, Americans have never felt as encouraged to go off-path and be more adventurous when traveling than they are now, with a growing number of them actively seeking more meaningful experiences when going abroad.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s inland cities like Guadalajara, a highly reputed foodie hotspot, Campeche, dominated by striking Spanish-era landmarks, and Puebla, with its colorful townscape, exotic markets, and ethnic barrios that are at the front of the ‘deep Mexico’ revival.
Cancun and Cabo are great for a winter break, but they are hardly representative of the Latino heartland of Mexico, and tourists are starting to wake up to the fact that there is an entire country to be discovered beyond their favorite, overdeveloped resort towns.
More Than 700 Daily Flights To Mexico From The U.S.
Of course, we couldn’t discuss Mexico’s record-breaking levels of tourism heading into 2024 without bringing up connectivity: as stated in the very first paragraph of this article, it is a no-brainer thanks to the geographical proximity with the U.S. and multiple flight options.
Irrespective of where they live and fly out from, Mexico is the most accessible vacation for the average American traveler, as there are over 700 daily flightsscheduled between the United States and Mexico, and every international Stateside airport has links to the Latin American giant.
Due to the wide availability of flights, predatory pricing practices between different airlines, and the year-round demand, airfares can be quite affordable, too: according to booking platform Kayak, there are Mexico-bound flights departing from the United States for as cheap as $127 one-way.
Mexico Is Safer Than Most Latin American Countries
Finally, one of the main reasons why Mexico is poised for a further surge in popularity in 2024 is the reinforced safety. While other Latin American countries have slid into a downward spiral of violence in recent months, the AMLO-led nation has remained relatively stable.
Popular tourist zones, particularly along the Mayan Coast, are surveilled day and night by tourist battalions, a majority of Mexican states have been issued a Level 2 classification by U.S. authorities, meaning crime levels are only moderate, and very few visitors are affected by crime.
Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, is considered one of the safest cities in the American continent, and Cancun is easily the most tourist-friendly areas in the Caribbean: as long as they practice general safety advice, Americans have nothing to worry about.
General safety advice involves avoiding displaying unnecessary signs of wealth in public, such as wearing expensive jewelry or taking out large sums of cash, sticking to well-lit, frequented areas after sundown, and staying away from peripheral districts.
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.
Allowing the sheer majesty of America’s national parks to steal your breath and refresh your spirit is an experience that travelers from all over long for.
While nature is magnificent year-round, variables like seasonal closures, crowds, and weather conditions are important to consider when planning a trip.
We know that as winter thaws out, everyone is itching to venture outside–that’s why we compiled our list of the top 7 national parks to visit.
Factors like best weather, seasonal natural phenomena, entry requirements, and upcoming events were prioritized when creating the following list.
Cuyahoga National Park
We all dream of the surreal landscapes of national parks out west, but have you heard of this midwestern gem?
Located about an hour south of Cleveland, you’ll discover rushing waterfalls and interesting land formations carved from glaciers at Cuyahoga.
But the real reason to visit this season is that the park falls in the path of totality for the much anticipated 2024 solar eclipse.
On April 8, at 3:13 the moon will completely cover the sun.
Visitors can expect totality to last around 4 minutes and should prepare for traffic and crowds as many will gather to witness the eclipse.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The gentle mountains of Appalachia are the perfect place to trade life’s stressors for crisp springs, dense forests, and secluded waterfalls.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is home to over 1500 species of flowering plants that come alive in spring (more biodiversity than any other park in North America!).
This festival includes professionally guided walks educating on local flora and fauna, exhibitions, and various workshops on everything from pottery to foraging.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Visiting this lesser-known national park is a unique experience.
Home to the tallest sand dunes in the country, you can hike to the top for a surreal view of the neighboring dunes and mountains.
Adrenaline seekers can rent equipment and partake in the fun of sandboarding down the dunes.
Located 200 miles south of Denver, spring is the best time to visit this national park before the weather becomes uncomfortably hot.
Springtime visitors will also benefit from arriving in time to tube on Medano Creek– a seasonal river created from mountain snow melt.
Hot Springs National Park
If chasing the rare eclipse totality is a priority for you, this underrated national park is a great spring destination.
One of only 2 national parks that will experience totality this year, you can watch the eclipse from Hot Springs on April 8th.
The charmed surrounding town of Hot Springs, Arkansas will be hosting all kinds of eclipse festivities including music festivals and vendor booths.
Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy soaking in the glorious hot springs while daytime temperatures are still cool.
Joshua Tree National Park
This surreal desert ecosystem is best visited in spring before the stifling heat of summer sets in.
You’ll find all kinds of weird and wacky plant life among these landscapes, from various cacti to the iconic gnarled Joshua trees.
Another benefit of visiting in spring is to see the flowers blooming in a neon pop of color reminiscent of the trees of The Lorax movie.
And while more national parks than ever have called for timed entries and advance reservations, Joshua Tree does not currently require either.
Yellowstone National Park
If you want more solitude and fewer selfie sticks, spring is the time to visit this wildly popular park.
Yellowstone is home to the greatest wildlife density in the lower 48 states, and visiting in April is a magical time to see baby animals.
Young bison nurse at their mothers’ sides, bear cubs crawl out of their dens, and wolf packs play with their young during this special time of year.
Death Valley
This national park lives up to its name as its 120 degree daytime highs can be dangerous in the summertime.
Death Valley’s landscape is fascinating and varied–you can check out the lowest point in the North America (Bad Water Basin), or look out over rolling hills and geological formations.
One of the most epic places in the US for stargazing, this national park is hosting its Dark Sky Festival March 1-3 this year.
The festival will include educational talks on astronomy and the opportunity to learn from scientists out in the park.
Wildflower blooms bring the national park into full color throughout the spring months.
And if conditions are perfect, you may witness a rare super bloom–a desert phenomena when an unusally high number of wildflowers bloom all at once.
If you’re willing to brave potential crowds for a deal, all the national parks will have free entry April 20, 2024 to kick off national park week.
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.
