Tag: Beautiful

You Can Live In This Beautiful Beach Destination For A Whole Year
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Now that going abroad is no longer associated with jumping through endless hoops and excessive bureaucracy, travelers are eager to explore the world, preferably at their own pace. When looking for some sun, sand, and culture, their best bet may be the beautiful Seychelles, where all foreigners can stay for a whole year, irrespective of nationality.

Long-term travel is one of the top trends in the post-Covid scene, closely related to digital nomadism, though not all long-term tourists could be classed as nomads themselves. Regardless of the trend’s nuances, one thing is for certain: more national governments are warming up to the idea and adapting migration laws to fit in with the times.

That is the case with this beach destination off the East Coast of Africa, commonly known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean:

Africa At Its Finest

Although relatively unknown by the American public, Seychelles is one of a handful of high-income countries in Africa, as per data released by the World Bank, and the second-highest ranking country in the African Human Development Index, behind Mauritius. In terms of population, it is the least populous, home to only 98,462 residents as of 2020.

Beyond the accolades it has earned as a well-developed society and economy, it is a paradisaical archipelago consisting of 115 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean. Home to white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and virtually undisturbed tropical jungles, it is one of the world’s top destinations for natural world experiences, despite its lack of notoriety.

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Additionally, it is entirely visa-free, which means all foreigners are welcome to visit irrespective of the state where their travel document was issued: Americans, Canadians, the British, Europeans, Mexicans, and everyone else. Unlike the U.S., which maintains a strict policy of requiring visas of certain nationalities, Seychelles is fully open.

Landing in Seychelles, all tourists* will be warmly received by border guards as long as they fulfill four simple requirements:
- They are not a persona non grata, meaning they have not been banned from entering the territory previously
- They are able to present a valid return ticket or proof of onward travel
- They have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay
- They have sufficient funds**
*There is an exception for Kosovo passport holders, as this travel document is not recognized by Seychellois authorities (learn why here)

**The official Government website explicitly defines ‘sufficient funds’ as being US$150 or higher per day

Tourists Can Stay For Up To A Year

Upon arrival, visitors are normally issued a three-month-long single-entry visa for free. This might be enough for vacationers looking to escape the harsh wintery conditions at home for a week or two ahead of returning to the States or Canada, but for digital nomads, three months may feel rushed, especially when there are so many islands to explore.

Even before Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) were a ‘thing’, this country had its own version of a remote worker visa, though it is slightly different than the permits offered by other states. For instance, applicants do not need to obtain authorization in advance: they can enter as a tourist and submit their ‘visa extension‘ application before the three months are up.

The Visitor’s Permit, as it is called, can be renewed for successive periods of three months up to a maximum of twelve months, without requiring a new entry into the national territory, ‘provided that the person still meets the criteria of a bona fide visitor‘. In other words, unless you have committed a crime or you’re a threat to national security, you’re good to go.

Further renewals must be requested within the current three-month period, not after its expiration, and authorities may expect to see proof of accommodation once more and your revised travel plans for leaving Seychelles once the year elapses. It is worth noting that while the initial period is free of charge, renewals incur a fee of roughly US$73.

Filling out the renewal form, applicants must provide:
- Their full name
- Passport number and expiry date
- Full residential address in Seychelles
- Reasons for requiring a visa renewal
- Expected date of departure following renewal, accompanied by a valid ticket
- Proof of funds
Applications must be made at an Immigration Office, usually in the capital city of Victoria.

Why Extend Your Stay In Seychelles?

Seychelles is a surprisingly eclectic country, whose influences, cuisine, and customs draw heavily on French culture – who became the first inhabitants of the previously-deserted islands, alongside enslaved Africans brought to the territory — but also British and then Chinese and Indian, due to its strategic position on the Indian Ocean.

Still to this day, the colonial heritage is evident in the smaller Seychellois towns straddling the coast, particularly the capital city of Victoria, where a clock tower modeled after London-Vauxhall’s and an English-inspired Botanical Garden can be found. Other than a cultural melting pot, French-speaking Seychelles is simply the perfect sunny spot:

If you want to unwind and distance yourself from the crowds and chaos of the outside world as you bury your feet in the sand and admire the breathtaking Indo-African nature, it truly doesn’t get any better than this. Did we mention already temperatures rarely drop below 80 degrees in winter as well? Trust us, it is really quite warm all year-round.

Some of the top attractions in the archipelago include:
- Eden, an artificial island where most of the luxury resorts and leisure complexes are centered
- Victoria, the charming colonial-era capital
- Anse Lazio, a sandy beach with some of the clearest water
- Valle de Mai (Praslin), a recluse nature reserve brimming with wildlife
- Morne Blanc, a hiking trail boasting panoramic views of the Seychellois coast
- Curieuse, a tiny island famous for its giant tortoises
- Domaine de Val des Pres, a quaint craft village
Still not convinced? In case you need further encouragement, Seychelles is one of the 16 safest destinations in Africa, with a very low crime rate and rated a Level 1 country by the U.S. Department of State – the lowest risk category a foreign state can achieve. More information about Seychellois visas, including the Visitor’s Permit, can be accessed here.

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January 26, 2023
This Is The Most Beautiful Destination In Brazil – And It’s Not Rio
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We get it, the panoramic view of Rio from atop Corcovado is breathtaking and surely not to be missed, and you’ll definitely want to spend an entire afternoon lounging by the famous Ipanema Beach sipping on some coconut, but trust us when we say the city doesn’t even come close to being the best for tourists in Brazil… much less its most beautiful destination.

When you think Brazil, we’re sure the first image that comes to mind is that of a soapstone Christ standing tall with his arms open wide as he mercifully watches over a vibrant metropolis below, rising out of a tropical jungle with majestic green peaks and the azure Atlantic Ocean for a backdrop. Yep, that’s Rio for you.

While it is certainly a world-class destination, it is not representative of Brazil as a whole, or its surprising diversity:

A Beautifully Preserved Colonial Treasure In The Brazilian Northeast

Salvador is the intriguing capital of the northeastern state of Bahia and one of the oldest cities not only in Brazil, but in the Americas. Although indigenous peoples were native inhabitants of the area prior to the arrival of Europeans, Salvador was first established as a fortified settlement in 1549.

Back then, the Portuguese, among the first Europeans to make landfall in the region, built a gigantic fort named São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos (or Holy Savior of the Bay of All Saints). Overlooking an important bay, it quickly became an important port in the era of Transatlantic crossings and the slave trade.

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In the 16th century, as a Portuguese colony, Salvador was comprised of both upper and lower cities, modeled after Europe’s own. On the higher part, administrative and religious buildings were erected; down in the busy port area, onlookers would be welcomed to the shouts of energetic merchants selling all sorts of items, from cured meats to rarer local condiments.

Interestingly, this well-defined cityscape hasn’t changed much in the 21st century: the former upper city corresponds roughly to the modern-day Pelourinho, Salvador’s and most easily recognized landmark and arguably Brazil’s prettiest district. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, and you’ll soon understand why:

Is Salvador The Most Colorful And Vibrant City In Brazil?

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho feels like stepping back in time. It feels like it has barely changed since the Portuguese founders laid the first stone, an impressive feat for a Brazilian city, considering the country’s rapid, unsustainable urbanization often happens in detriment to the upkeep of heritage sites and colonial-era buildings.

To draw a comparison, one of Rio’s most impressive palaces and a legacy of the Belle Époque was unceremoniously demolished as a military-controlled Brazil sought to ‘modernize’ itself in the seventies. Although Rio is almost as old as Salvador, only a handful of pre-20th-century monuments are still standing.

Luckily, Salvador’s Historical Center was spared most of the destruction: Portuguese urbanism is an indelible mark in Pelourinho, full of colorful facades and richly-decorated churches. The grand architecture and amazing History are not Salvador’s only strengths, though: it is often called the African capital of Brazil.

Unlike the Southeast or South of the country, where the vast majority of residents are mostly or exclusively of European descent, be it Portuguese, Italian, or German, or the multi-ethnic hub of Sao Paulo, the Northeast historically served as a safe haven for formerly-enslaved Africans in the wake of the abolition of slavery.

In other words, black and multi-racial Brazilians form a majority of the populace, in stark contrast with the predominantly-white Southern cities of Florianopolis or Curitiba. With their ancestral traits imported from their continent of origin, they have contributed enormously to the creation of a distinct Afro-Brazilian, Northeastern identity.

Whether it’s the spice-infuced cuisine you won’t find in Rio or anywhere else, unique religious customs – essentially a blend of African and European influences – and ethnic garments, the Bahiana capital is a different, unexpected flavor of Brazil tourists will not be expecting, which is precisely what makes it such a fascinating, and fun destination to exlore.

Northeastern Brazilian Cuisine Is Unlike Anything You’ve Ever Tried Before

If you’re a foodie, then Salvador should definitely be on your bucket list. Our favorite Northeastern Brazilian dishes include:
- Caruru, a mesh of okra, prawns, onion, and roasted nuts drenched in palm oil
- Arrumadinho, a sun-dried beef dish accompanied by beans, black-eyed peas and toasted cassava (locally known as farofa)
- Aracaje, a rice ball similar to the Italian arancini, except it’s deep-fried in the locally-sourced dende oil and stuffed with tropical spices and prawn
- Moqueca Baiana, a coconut milk-based stew consisting of melt-in-your-mouth white fish, prawns, lime juice, and a wide assortment of veggies
- Bolo de Rolo, a guava cake similar in texture to a Swiss roll, normally sprinkled with shredded coconut
- Vatapa, described as a concoction of bread, prawn, coconut milk (three recurring ingredients), and ground nuts, mashed into an oily purée
- Quindim, a variation of the custard cake distinguished for its ground coconut bottom layer
The Land Of Never-Ending Summer

Beach lovers, we see you at the back: the Brazilian Northeast is home to the country’s most stunning coastline, having rightfully earned the title of ‘Brazilian Caribbean’. As those of you who have been to the city of Rio, not the wider state, will know, the sea – albeit gorgeous – is not exactly the shiniest blue.

In Bahia, turquoise waters glisten in the sun, and the temperature rarely drops below 73 degrees year-round, reaching highs of 100 in summer (between December and early April). Sitting on the Atlantic coast, Salvador has direct access to numerous under-visited beaches, where Copacabana’s overpriced coconuts and surging crowds are not a concern.

Some of the best swimming spots within close proximity to Salvador are:
- Farol da Barra, where tourists will also find a 19th-century lighthouse
- Buracao, lined with beachfront villas, restaurants, and bars
- Itapua, in close proximity to a traditional fishing village
- Praia do Forte, a quaint beach with crystal clear waters a bit further out
- Sauipe, a resort-lined sandy crescent named the most scenic in Brazil
If you’re flying to Brazil in the near future, make sure you read up on the latest political developments and follow the travel advice to remain safe and avoid disruption when vacationing in the country.

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January 18, 2023
4 Of The Most Beautiful Medieval Cities In Europe To Visit For 2023

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Medieval History is one of the reasons behind Europe’s popularity among Americans. Be it castles evocative of Disney movies or cobblestone-laden streets, every traveler wants to experience that Old World charm. While the entire continent is packed with landmarks, four cities in particular are known for their striking beauty, looking almost frozen in time.

Now that international travel has been reinstated, that old familiar urge to explore new destinations, supressed for three long years, is finally back, and being home to some of the world’s most iconic sights, Europe is at the front of the global tourism revival. In fact, cultural expeditions are on track to become one of the most sought-after experiences in 2023,

One could spend decades exploring the continent’s rich heritage and gorgeous Old Towns, but these four are certainly not to missed:

Carcassone

The Fairytale French Town

Perhaps Europe’s most impressive medieval citadel still in use, Carcassone is a small ville in the South of France, hidden away in the idyllic, vineyard-packed département of Aude. Looking at its breathtaking panorama from a distance, atop the rolling green hills opposite, visitors will soon understand why UNESCO claimed it as part of its World Heritage Sites:

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Massive moated fortifications and a series of defensive walls and ramparts, one layer higher than the other, surround the entire city, in itself a sophisticated maze of early 14th century stone-built buildings, including centuries-old bakeries and artisan shops, inner citadels and hidden passageways leading to secret patios shielded by tall trees.

The city’s top sights include the restored Château Comtal, the Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse, embellished on the inside by a large expanse of stained glass, and Pont Vieux, a stone bridge built in the Middle Ages. As for the beautiful round towers distributed along the outer walls, good luck trying to count them: there are 53 in total, all perfectly preserved.

Rothemburg ob der Tauber

One Of Germany’s Last-Surviving Medieval Towns

Bearing a long and hard-to-pronounce name, Rothemburg (in its shortened form) is a Bavarian gem easily recognized for its incredibly picturesque Old Town, and 12th century walls, a rare feat for any German stadt, considering most of the country would have been flattened, or badly damaged beyond repair during both World Wars.

Rothenburg was lucky enough to be spared most of the widespread destruction which rained down on other major targets like Cologne and Berlin. That’s not to say it wasn’t hit hard, with up to 30% of the monuments in the center being a modern-day replica of much older versions. Even then, the bucholic appeal is still there, as if no conflict has taken place.

Strolling the narrow streets, tourists will find plenty of the classic half-timbered houses of Bavaria, except Rothenburg’s are easily distinguishable for being vibrant-colored and livelier, pubs and taverns serving traditional food and craft beer, and a majestic Gothic church whose slender belfry has dominated the skyline for 711 years.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s Quaint Capital City

The surprisingly quaint capital of Scotland, and the most liked city in all of the United Kingdom, Edinburgh has stolen the hearts of short-term guests, and proved a source of inspiration for artists, oral poets, and renowed writers for well over ten centuries now. Just make sure you pick up your jaw from the floor stepping out of Waverley Station in the heart of town.

You’ll be immediately welcomed with a panorama of the somber-looking Old Town, dotted with Gothic spires and ‘closes’ that zigzag their way up a hill before culimating in a massive stronghold – Edinburgh Castle – casting a long shadow over the Victorian-era ‘New’ Town below. ‘Auld Reekie’, as it is affectionately called by locals, is truly a sight to behold.

Other than its picture-perfect skyline, Edinburgh’s tourist offer is consolidated through state-of-the-art museums, such as the National Museum of Scotland, where a stuffed Dolly the Sheep is exhibited, alongside weaponry and pagan Highland crosses. It is also the birthplace of Harry Potter, having extensively inspired settings in the books.

Bruges

The Venice Of The North

Nicknamed ‘Venice of the North’, due its city center traversed by winding canals, Bruges has enough medieval wonders to keep History buffs like you entertained for days. Sitting on the Flemish, Dutch-speaking side of Belgium’s internal borders, it is both an important trading port and one of Europe’s prettiest cities.

Taking a canal tour of Bruges, tourists will be able to tick off numerous items off their bucket list: Audrey Hepburn’s former house, the 11th century Saint John’s Hospital, and the scenic Rosary Quay. On land, some of the main point of interests include the City Hall, a tall belfry erected in the Middle Ages, and the Michelangelo-decorated Church of Our Lady Bruges.

Once they have their share of historical sights for a trip, it will be time to quench a different kind of thirst. No cultural visit to Bruges would be complete without a weekend pub crawl, seeing that it has a long-standing brewing tradition, and an extensive list of beers are named after it, with Brugge Blond, Brugge Tripel and Brugs to name a few.

If you’re heading to Europe in the near future, don’t forget to check out these other 3 winter destinations that are not only gorgeous, overlooked medieval gems, but super budget-friendly on an extent.

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January 10, 2023
This Beautiful Southeast Asian Country Has Lifted All Travel Restrictions Returning To Normal Tourism
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Another Southeast Asian destination has lifted all Covid requirements returning to normal ahead of 2023. With immediate effect, Americans are no longer be subject to strict health controls traveling to Laos which is one of the most beautiful, and awe-inspiring countries in the sub-continent.

After sealing itself off from the rest of the world for most of the pandemic, Southeast Asia began to timidly reopen for tourism earlier this year as Covid cases dwindled. Fast forward a few months, and foreigners are welcome across a majority of states without restrictions or any border formalities, making it one of the easiest regions in the world to travel.

Luckily for the unvaccinated, the reopening trend is showing no signs of slowing down, even after the latest viral surge arising from China:

The Only Landlocked Country In Southeast Asia Is Lifting All Border Restrictions

2 years and 9 months after the World Health Organization issued a historical declaration confirming Covid as a pandemic, prompting numerous countries across the globe to shut down in response and clamp down on leisure travel, the small and gorgeous, but often overlooked nation of Laos is finally ready to reinstate normality.

Similarly to its closest neighbors, namely Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia decided to fully abolish all health-related border mandates on December 28, in the lead up to the New Year – it turns out Kayak editors were right when they boldly claimed that 2023 would be a ‘comeback year‘ for Asia, after all…

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Entering Laos in 2023, Americans and all other incoming passengers will no longer be required to present a vaccination card, nor undergo testing prior to departure when failing to qualify as fully immunized. Additionally, all on-arrival and post-arrival testing policies applying to the latter group have been canceled, ending months of vaccine discrimination.

Lastly, there are no quarantine requirements upon arrival to Laos, as the country has done away with all special provisions pertaining to the health crisis that had remained in force throughout 2022. Effectively, we’re witnessing a return to 2019 entry guidelines, including the reinstatement of visa-waiver agreements and visas on-arrival.

Do Americans Need A Visa To Enter Laos?

In short, yes, but the visa application process couldn’t be simpler.

American citizens can travel to Laos without requesting a visa in advance, but they must apply for one upon landing at one of the authorized points of entry, such as the Wattay International Airport. Applications are made on-site and tourist visas are normally issued for 30 days for a fee of USD $35, though they may be extended for a further 60 days upon request.

Alternatively, U.S. passport holders are eligible to apply for an e-Visa before departure through the official website, in order to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport. Other than visa procedures and carrying a passport valid for at least six months, tourists are exempt from presenting any health declaration, or disclosing their vaccination status.

In sum, all of the below applies to international travelers arriving in Laos:
- No mandatory vaccination
- No pre-departure, on-arrival, or post-arrival testing
- No health declaration forms to be completed prior to flying
- No quarantine
Within the country, some Covid measures are still enforced, such as social distancing and mask wearing in certain premises, though the severity of requirements may vary across the country depending on infection levels. Once in Laos, foreigners are advised to follow all rules set out by local authorities, even when travel restrictions have been lifted.

Before the reopening, only fully vaccinated travelers were allowed to enter Laos test-free. The unvaccinated were required to undergo an ATK (Antigen) test 48 hours before departure. Since December 28, however, all travelers are treated equally irrespective of immunization status, nationality, and country of departure.

Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Despite its lack of sea access and colder temperatures, Laos is a Southeast Asian gem deserving of your attention. A mountainous territory rich in nature and famous for its distinct multi-cultural character, torn between centuries-old Buddhist traditions and the legacy of French colonialism, it can be a surprising, and rather unusual, cultural destination for 2023.

We like unusual.

Vientiane, the capital, is home to the That Luang monument, where Buddha’s breastbone is reportedly kept, French-inspired architecture and communist-era landmarks. Elsewhere in the tiny country, visitors will find grand waterfalls, river islands, elephant reserves, and a quaint, sparsely-populated countryside virtually unspoiled by mankind.

Lastly, Laos is a country packed with historical ruins and pilgrimage sites. One of the holiest is Wat Phu, a UNESCO-protected archaeological complex dating back to the 5th century and originally built as a Hindu temple. Today, it is open for tourists for a negligible fee of 50,000 LAK, or only US $2.88, and it is totally worth the two-and-a-half journey from Vientiane.

More information about tourist activities in Laos, as well as visa requirements, can be found here.

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December 30, 2022
6 U.S. National Parks That Are Even More Beautiful In Winter

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Have you ever considered visiting any national parks during the winter?

Summer may be the peak season for visiting national parks in the United States, but these national parks are just as stunning during the winter, with the added bonus of lower crowds and off-season prices.

The trade-off, of course, is that you can expect cold weather at some national parks during the winter. But it’s worth it to see these iconic landscapes from a different perspective.

Some national parks have milder winters, particularly those in the Southwest and Southeast, making them more enjoyable to visit than during the sweltering summer season.

Here are 6 of the best U.S. national parks to visit this winter:

1. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic sights in the United States. Spanning 277 miles long with a width of 18 miles, this canyon in Arizona is one of the most visited destinations in the country.

It’s even more beautiful in the winter than at any other time of year. During the winter, the canyon can be dusted in a light coating of white snow, making for truly breathtaking views.

2. Death Valley National Park

While California’s Death Valley National Park is stunning, it can be hard to appreciate the national park’s otherworldly beauty during the summer when daytime temperatures commonly reach upwards of 115° F.

During the winter, particularly the months of December and January, the weather at this desert national park is much milder. Visitors can enjoy average highs in the mid-sixties and evening lows in the forties.

This makes exploring Death Valley much more feasible, and you’ll be able to hike and do other outdoor activities for much longer.

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3. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah offers some of the most striking scenery in the United States at any time of year.

This national park is famed for its orange-colored rock formations that stretch on for miles. However, this national park can get extremely crowded during the summer months.

In the winter, expect freezing temperatures. But if you can brave the cold, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular winter landscapes. Seeing the snow-covered canyon in winter is worth battling the cold.

4. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park in Florida is a great national park to visit in the winter to escape the cold.

In fact, winter is the best time of year to visit this national park. There’s less rain and humidity, and temperatures are milder, with an average high of 77° F and an average low of 53° F.

Winter is also the best time of year for spotting wildlife, and there are fewer mosquitoes in the Everglades at this time of year.

5. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, which sits primarily in Wyoming but also reaches Montana and Idaho, is the oldest national park in the United States. Founded more than 150 years ago, this national park is extremely popular and beloved.

During the winter, Yellowstone’s diverse landscapes and array of wildlife are just as compelling. You can observe bison, coyotes, foxes, and more trekking across the snowy landscapes.

Frozen waterfalls and steaming hot springs are just more of the sights that await you in Yellowstone during the winter. While it’s bitterly cold, you can always warm up with a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace at one of Yellowstone’s many lodges.

6. Mount Rainier National Park

Finally, Mount Rainier National Park is an incredible winter destination if you don’t mind braving the cold.

This national park in Washington turns into a veritable winter wonderland, with snow-capped trees and the impressive snowy peak of Mount Rainier looming in the distance.

Winter is a great time of year for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at this national park.

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December 20, 2022
Famous Maya Beach Closed In Thailand: 5 Beautiful Destinations Travelers Can Visit Instead

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Thailand’s Maya Bay – made famous thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Hollywood smash The Beach – is closed at present to allow ecosystems at the scenic cove a chance to recover. The bay had only just reopened this year after more than three years of being closed to the public following significant degradation to the local environment, with fierce debate currently brewing between local groups about whether or not the closure of one of the country’s leading tourism attractions should be made permanent or seasonal.

However, regardless of whether the bay is set to reopen or close for good, there’s no reason for travelers to fear as Thailand has plenty more beautiful beaches, cozy coves and idyllic islands to enjoy. Here’s a look at five of the most beautiful alternatives to Maya Bay, and why travelers looking to visit the Land of Smiles over the next few months should add them to their travel itineraries as soon as possible.

Railay

For travelers looking for an alternative to Maya Bay, where better arguably the country’s most beautiful beach located in the same province? Situated in coastal Krabi between the main town and Ao Nang, Railay is a remarkable peninsula surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs that provide some of the world’s best rock climbing routes. Home to four distinct beaches, along with a network of caves, tiny islands within swimming distance and mangroves that are rich in biodiversity, Railay provides stunning island views that are best enjoyed from its soft beaches, temperate seas or under the shadow of its looming karsts. Less developed than Koh Phi Phi but with a healthy supply of cafes and eateries, Railay is the perfect place to spend a day or two, and is easily accessible from Ao Nang via a 10-minute longtail boat ride.

Ko Similan

Also located on the country’s Andaman coast, Ko Similan – better known as the Similan Islands – are a Mecca for diving enthusiasts, but there’s more than just life beneath the waves to enjoy. Reachable via a boat journey from Phang Nga’s resort town of Khao Lak, the Similan Islands are everything a tropical island paradise should be. The water is remarkably clear, the sand is soft and powdery whilst a wide array of wildlife can be observed – from stunning monitor lizards on the islands themselves to manta rays, sharks and sea turtles around them. Whilst diving will give travelers the full Similan Island experience, most tours also provide snorkeling equipment, which provides a window into the underwater world that helped put this destination on the map.

James Bond Island

Maya Bay isn’t the only destination in Thailand to have welcomed Hollywood to its shores. Khao Phing Kan served as a villain’s hideout in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, and has been referred to as James Bond Island by travelers ever since. Also located in Phang-Nga province in the country’s south, the island is instantly recognizable due to its singular limestone column erupting from the sea in a perpendicular fashion and gorgeous, isolated beaches and islands nearby. The location is mostly underdeveloped, with the entire province of Phang-Nga providing much more local vibes than its tourism-heavy neighbors Phuket and Krabi, providing an authentic slice of life in rural Thailand. Tour tickets to the island often also include a trip to Koh Panyi, a well-known fishing village on stilts famed for its floating soccer pitch.

Freedom Beach

Phuket is full of beaches, but few share the quiet, effortlessly beautiful qualities that bring travelers to Maya Bay in their droves. Freedom Beach, however, is one of the few exceptions. Despite being geographically close to the rowdy beaches of Patong, Freedom Beach couldn’t be more different. Accessible courtesy of a longtail boat or a perilous descent down a treacherous dirt track, Freedom Beach boasts powdery, white sand, turquoise seas and an abundance of coves, bays and inlets to explore nearby. Tropical coconut trees and palms provide shade and a typical beach atmosphere, and the night-time delights, restaurants and sights of Patong are just around the corner once you’ve had enough of this paradise.

Koh Hong

Another glorious location in Krabi Province, Koh Hong is arguably the most aesthetically-similar destination to Maya Bay in the country. Like Maya Bay, Koh Hong features beaches surrounded by sheer cliffs, with views out into the Andaman Sea. However, Koh Hong has hidden delights that many travelers claim exceed even those of The Beach. The island is home to a secluded lagoon, surrounded by cliffs in a way that gives it it’s name – hong means “room” in Thai, and rooms don’t come much better than this, where the water turns from emerald to turquoise as it shimmers in the sun. Whether kayaking in the lagoon, snorkeling off the beach or taking in the entire island from its elevated viewpoint, Koh Hong is one of the most beautiful islands in the country and is easily accessible by boat from various points on Krabi’s mainland.

Controversy is never far from Maya Bay, as Thailand’s court yesterday ordered 20th Century Fox to pay for damages incurred during filming The Beach. Whilst it might be scheduled to reopen at the end of the month, closure once more could be just around the corner – particularly if local environment groups get their way – but these destinations should provide travelers with more than enough memories to make up for missing it.

Read More:

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 15, 2022
This Colonial City Has Been Voted The Most Beautiful In Mexico
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One of Mexico’s colonial cities has just been named ‘the most beautiful’ in the country, beating household names like Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and even the wider Mayan Riviera to the number one spot. The honor was bestowed by Mexico’s own Travel Awards, and it’s fair to say many were surprised with how voting went.

Mexico’s fame as the King of Tourism may be almost exclusively attributed to its Caribbean hubs and a plethora of well-preserved pre-Columbian settlements. While Mexico’s Mayan World is still largely responsible for the country’s record-breaking numbers, yet another facet of its multicultural appeal is emerging as an equally-powerful attraction.

Namely, Mexico’s colonial era cities, that are among some of the first European settlements in the Americas, with one in particular eclipsing all others in beauty and charm:

Mexico’s Beauty Lies In Its Multicultural Past

Mexico Travel Awards is a yearly event where the nation’s top tourism authorities gather to celebrate achievements across different sectors of the industry, such as the most outstanding and best performing municipalities. In any case, there is one trophy not based purely on broken records and booking trends.

This year, 20 municipalities were nominated for the title of Mexico’s Most Beautiful, including San Miguel de Allende, a Neo-Gothic/Baroque fusion that has been rediscovered by the American audience in recent months, Merida, the Yucatan state’s number one city, and of course, Mexico City, the vibrant, sprawling mess of a capital.

Despite being strong contenders, none of them took the award home in the end. Mexico’s crown jewel turns out to be the unsung Guanajuato City, the capital of its namesake state and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the Americas – even before Spain’s path got intertwined with pre-Columbian Mexico’s.

Much like the aforementioned San Miguel, Guanajuato is famous around the world for nearly-intact colonial monuments, though on a much larger scale. Its Old Town, or Ciudad vieja district has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site all the way back in 1988, not only due to its architectural wonders, but the History it carries.

The Rising Trend Of ‘Colonial’ Tourism

Guanajuato was founded by Spaniards on the site of other native American settlements in the mid-16th century, and served at one point as the world’s top silver exporter before turning its back to the Empire and joining the fight for an independent Mexico. Naturally, this turbulent, yet fascinating past has been engraved in the city’s urban landscape.

It is composed of a maze of narrow winding streets lined with colorful traditional houses resembling those found in Iberian Europe – Spain and Portugal – and it is dotted with Baroque gems, including the Valenciana Temple and the most easily recognized landmark, the Saint Francis church, featuring its iconic bright yellow hue.

Although it is not as huge as Cancun or its main rival Mexico City yet, Guanajuato is surely becoming more popular every year. The state itself, which carries the same name, has witnessed a steady increase in arrival figures from 2007 to 2018 culminating in 956,000+ yearly visitors. However, that was years before Mexico’s Renaissance had officially begun.

This year, eight to nine million visitors are expected, a sharp increase from 2018’s figures, just shy of the millionth landmark. This proves Guanajuato has a key role to play in promoting Mexico as a diverse destination, and a world capital for culture acknowledged for more than just its pristine beaches and luxury all-inclusives.

What Other Cities Made The List?

The top 4 most voted cities, excluding Guanajuato, were:
1. Mexico City
2. Queretaro
3. Morelia
4. Monterrey
The Mexico Travel Awards is, in fact, a tourist-voted award, proving Guanajuato is indeed the most appealing city out of all the twenty surveyed. Other than being lauded for its architectural grandeur and contribution to History, it has been described as a ‘culturally rich city with numerous museums, theaters, music venues and festivals‘.

All of the top five cities have one thing in common: they have managed to retain their Spanish-era allure, in spite of the turning of the centuries and the overwhelming wave of industrialization that spread across North America throughout the 20th, and early 21st centuries, tearing down everything ancient standing on its path.

Direct Flights To Guanajuato From the U.S.

As for accessibility, the Bajio International Airport is the closest airport to Guanajuato, serving both the state capital and its neighbor Leon. Direct flights from the U.S. are available from the airports below:
- Chicago (O’Hare and Midway)
- Houston (George Bush Intercontinental)
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Los Angeles International
- Oakland International
- Sacramento International
- Fresno Yosemite International
- San Jose International
- San Antonio International
- Kansas City International
- Las Vegas (Harry Reid)*
*This route has since been suspended

Read More:

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 13, 2022