Tag: Charming

4 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Charming Beach Town In Central America

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Are you looking for your next dreamy beach getaway but aren’t sure where to go? There is a charming hidden gem on the Pacific coast that should be at the top of your list!

If lounging on a pristine beach with a cold drink in hand during a gorgeous sunset sounds like your cup of tea, then there is one coastal town in Nicaragua that is calling your name.

Renowned for its incredible beaches, top-notch surfing, and laid-back vibes, San Juan del Sur is the perfect place to unwind during your next trip.

While the coastal town attracts surfing enthusiasts from all over the world, this destination is so much more than that, and has something for every type of traveler.

Here are 4 reasons you should visit San Juan del Sur for your next beach getaway:

Stunning Beaches & Dreamy Stays

We said it above and we’ll say it again — San Juan del Sur boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Pacific. On top of that, there are some seriously top-notch places to make your home away from home.

If you are looking for the ultimate stay right in the heart of San Juan del Sur, you can’t get any better than La Santa Maria Resort.

You’ll have a fantastic view overlooking the town, everything you need right on site, and will only be a 10-minute walk from everything you could possibly want to do in town.

@traveloffpath Come with us to the best hotel in San Juan del Sur – La Santa Maria Resort . #sanjuandelsur #lsmresort #lasantamaria #visitnicaragua #travel #resort #nicarag ♬ Vlog / Western Music Tropical House / EDM ♫(997692) – RIKIYA

Plus, La Santa Maria Resort can help you set up any sightseeing or adventure tours you may want to take part in, like surfing or horseback riding.

As far as beaches go, some of our favorites include:

Playa San Juan del Sur

This is the main beach in the heart of San Juan del Sur and one of its most beautiful. There are endless options for food and entertainment both day and night right along the gorgeous sands. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk from La Santa Maria Resort.

One of our favorite spots for a bite was Restaurante El Timón. The food was amazing, and the view of the sunset was even better.

Playa Remanzo

This beach is the perfect place to learn to surf, as the waves break in different areas, meaning everyone from beginners to advanced surfers can enjoy themselves.

There are plenty of beach clubs and bars to grab a bite to eat or a drink after you are done catching the waves.

If it’s your first time surfing or you need to brush up on your skills, be sure to book a lesson with Tribu Surf Nicaragua. They can pick you up right from La Santa Maria Resort, making planning easy and painless.

@traveloffpath An incredible day out from @lsmresort with @tribusurfnicaragua. One of our first times out and we got up! . #surfing #lsmresort #lasantamaria #sanjuandelsur #visitnicaragua ♬ Lets Go Surfing – The Drums

Playa Escameca

This beach is the most secluded out of the three listed, but don’t let that stop you from visiting!

The coolest way to see this beach is by booking a horse riding tour. You’ll ride through the beautiful jungle, where you may even spot some howler monkeys!

Making your way out of the jungle you will come upon Playa Escameca, offering an incredible view of the Pacific. If you look across the water, you’ll even be able to catch some views of Costa Rica’s coast.

Affordable & Easy To Get To

One of the best parts about visiting San Juan del Sur is its affordability. If you want to save some serious cash, you can find hostel accommodations for under $15 a night, and you can opt for a private room in a hotel for under $100 a night easily.

Drinks and food are cheap too. You can easily find domestic beers for a few dollars each, and a meal at a decent restaurant shouldn’t run you more than $20 or so.

As for getting there, while it isn’t as easy as a direct flight straight to San Juan del Sur, it is an easy journey. The closest major airport to fly to will be Managua.

Americans will connect either through Houston, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale. Once you land in Managua, you’ll have a 2.5-hour drive to San Juan del Sur. You can get there by bus for just a few dollars, or for a more comfortable journey, you can book a private transfer for about $80 per person.

**One thing travelers should know is that you will be required to pay a $10 USD fee to get into the country. This is a tourist fee and must be paid in cash.**

Friendly & Laid-Back Atmosphere

You can’t help but feel like the wheel of time has slowed when walking the charming streets of San Juan del Sur. The bohemian vibe with colorful buildings and cute shops makes it feel like you are walking through a movie set.

Talking to the locals and other travelers, you’ll get the sense that nobody is ever in a rush, and you can truly unwind and relax during your time here.

All the restaurants you can visit are inviting and it’s totally fine (and expected) to make an evening of your meal.

Incredible Activities

If you get bored in San Juan del Sur something is wrong. There is so much to do here that you could easily stay for a month without ever feeling like you’ve run out of things to do. Best of all, La Santa Maria can help set you up with any tours or activities you want.

Some of our favorite activities included:

Surfing

San Juan del Sur is renowned for having some of the best surfing in the world. We went to Playa Remanzo with Tribu Surf Nicaragua for some private lessons and had the hang of it within the hour (we are newbies).

Horseback Riding

One of the coolest ways to take in a destination is on horseback, and Nicaragua is no exception.

We left La Santa Maria and within 30 minutes we were riding horses through the jungle on our way to Playa Escameca where we were able to watch the sunset over the gorgeous Pacific water.

During our ride, we saw some howler monkeys and even heard them in the distance as we left the area.

@traveloffpath What an incredible way to take in San Juan Del Sur! An easy drive from @lsmresort and so worth it! . #horseriding #sanjuandelsur #lasantamaria #lsmresort #visitnicaragua #nicaragua ♬ I Don’t Like It, I Love It (feat. Robin Thicke & Verdine White) – Flo Rida

Cristo de La Misericordia

Overlooking San Juan del Sur is the Cristo de La Misericordia statue. It sits on top of a hill offering an incredible view of the town below.

You can take a taxi close to the top, or for more of a workout, you can start your walk from the bottom.

We opted for the hard way, and the views at the top were definitely worth the effort. If for no other reason, be sure to visit this spot for a great picture to take home with you!

@traveloffpath This is the best view of @sanjuandelsur! . #sanjuandelsur #lsmresort #lasantamaria #visitnicaragua ♬ Climb on Up – Climb

Sunday Funday

While we didn’t get to experience this during our stay, if you are looking for a party, San Juan del Sur offers one of the best in Central America. Best of all, it is every week!

Sunday Funday is one of the most well-known party traditions in Central America and offers a nonstop party every week for travelers, locals, and expats to enjoy.

@girlgoingtravel Sunday Funday vlog 🤪🍻🥳 #sanjuandelsur #nicaragua #sundayfunday #backpackingcentralamerica ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys (Remix) – Syamsul

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September 21, 2023
Why This Charming Caribbean Island Is Surprisingly Perfect For Solo Travelers

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How many times have you seen friends and family plan romantic getaways to Aruba?

While Aruba definitely makes a great destination for couples seeking to bond in an enchanting setting, solo travelers shouldn’t feel left out of the party. After all, Aruba also has plenty of great attractions and lesser-known treasures for singles to enjoy.

Though Aruba may have developed a reputation for being quite developed, that’s not entirely a bad thing: As the most urban of the ABC Islands, Aruba has quite a few cool spots for singles to mingle, as well as places to appreciate maximum peace and quiet.

This “One Happy Island” Can Keep Solo Travelers Happy!

Over the years, Aruba has developed a certain reputation. As the best-known and most developed of the Netherlands’ ABC Islands, Aruba has become a go-to place for destination weddings, anniversary trips, and other romantically themed trips for couples.

Conversely, more adventurous solo travelers may sense that Curacao and Bonaire are better fits for them, as both islands are starting to emerge from Aruba’s shadow with their own natural beauty and their less “neat and polished” vibes.

While there are many great reasons for couples and for solo travelers to visit all the ABC Islands, let’s focus on why Aruba should not be overlooked as a prime destination for solo travelers.

Aruba Is Safe and Accepting

Though no place is always picture-perfect, we can’t fault you for thinking that Aruba comes pretty close. Even as other popular tourist destinations throughout the Americas may adhere to certain traditions and values that can make solo travelers feel uncomfortable, Aruba’s simply not like that.

In Aruba, solo travelers from all walks of life can do everything from golf outings to snorkeling lessons and not feel ostracized. Aruba’s local culture has become much more accepting of women’s independence, and the island has gradually become a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

It also helps that, as of August 2023, the U.S. State Department has a Level 1 travel advisory for Aruba that makes the island one of the safest destinations in a region that’s more recently made news for more tumultuous reasons.

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Yes, Aruba Can Also Be Trendy

At first glance, Aruba might seem “pedestrian” with its many name-brand hotels and big tourist crowds. But when we scratch beneath the surface, Aruba actually has plenty to offer solo travelers seeking cutting-edge thrills.

Adventurous foodies will especially appreciate Aruba’s piping hot dining scene, with restaurants like Yemanja, Ocean Z, and Anno 1877 serving up lively Caribbean cuisine with style and flair that easily rival the buzziest culinary hotspots of the U.S. East Coast.

When it comes to trendy bars, Aruba really has you covered. Not only is the Renaissance Aruba’s LG Smith’s a solid steakhouse, but they also take their mixology to the next level with their “cocktail cart” where drinks are hand-crafted right by your table.

For something even more on the wild side, Apotek may be Aruba’s best speakeasy: Their address is officially a secret, they take “prescriptions” and make special “remedies” for guests, and they have plenty of fun with their whimsical Prohibition-era theming.

Though Aruba has many hotels and resorts that cater to couples, single travelers don’t have to stay out in the (relative) cold. Divi Resorts’ 3 Aruba hotels offer a friendly and more laid-back alternative to the typical “romantic” resorts. For maximum tranquility, it’s hard to beat the adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

Want to Explore Beyond the Bars? Aruba Also Offers Epic Expeditions

Even if you’re not a foodie or a barfly, Aruba is a great place to get out and explore. If a day full of hiking and tide pooling is more your jam, Arikok National Park is where it’s at: From cactus groves full of lizards and parakeets to stunning petroglyphs hidden in caves, Arikok is full of natural surprises.

For history buffs wanting to learn more about the island’s fascinating backstory, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins tell the story of Aruba’s 19th-century gold rush, and the Alto Vista Chapel (originally built in 1750) is the island’s oldest Catholic church. For somewhere more comforting, the Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum shows all the tricks of the trade for the island’s most soothing export.

And, of course, Aruba has a whole lot of great beaches to explore and enjoy! Even at the most popular spots, such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, solo travelers will likely never feel out of place.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of Aruba’s reputation as a classic romantic getaway, this “One Happy Island” always welcomes solo travelers with open arms. Even better, solo travelers have ample options to have boatloads of fun, no matter what exactly floats your own boat.

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September 4, 2023
Why This Charming Spanish City Has Been Rated A Traveler Favorite This Year

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With a country packed so full of culture, beauty, and delicious food, choosing where to visit in Spain can be quite the undertaking.

Barcelona will always be a top choice for tourists, and Madrid is not far behind, and therefore it’s common for other fantastic locations to get overlooked.

One such city that is often not included on a travel itinerary is the 2,000-year-old city of Valencia, located on Spain’s eastern coast in the center of the Gulf of Valencia.

As Spain’s third largest city, Valencia is not a typical Spanish city — with its own language, unique cuisine, and a blend of ancient and futuristic buildings. Some say that Valencia is not the typical idyllic Spanish town that certain travelers are looking for, yet its uniqueness is part of its charm.

Recently rated as the top coastal destination in Europe, Valencia has a lot to offer travelers looking for something a bit different. It won the top spot on the coastal cities list, especially for being peaceful and quiet, being a great value, and having many attractions as well as a beach.

@miortravel Our favourite spots in 📍 Valencia #Explore #Viral #Visit #Spain #Valencia #Visitspain #Spaintiktok #Travel #Traveltiktok #Love #Esp #España #Viajes #Beautifulplaces #Trending #Fy #Fyp #fypシ ♬ LLYLM – ROSALÍA

The city is still quite unknown to most American travelers, often losing ground to Barcelona and Madrid. But more international tourists are starting to realize that Valencia has all the architecture, culture, and food of the bigger cities, with a much lower price tag.

Here’s Why Valencia Has Been Rated A Traveler Favorite This Year:

Old Meets New

As one of Spain’s oldest cities, exploring the Old Town is a must-do when visiting. Valencia’s old town is compact enough to enjoy walking around without getting lost in the maze-like streets, lined with vibrantly hued buildings and narrow cobbled alleys.

Check out the colorful street art that the city is known for, enjoy some al fresco food and drinks, and people-watch in the many plazas.

With architectural styles such as Art Nouveau, Gothic, Moorish, Roman, and more, there is quite a melting pot of styles to enjoy as you walk around.

You can’t miss seeing La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, La Lonja de la Seda, or the 13th-century Valencia Cathedral.

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Did Someone Say Food?

While offered throughout many places in Spain, Valencia is known for their menu del dias. Usually available midday between 1-4 pm, most consist of a meal deal with a drink, bread, starter, entree, and dessert, all offered for a set price. Valencia is known by travelers as having a cheaper menu del dias than other major Spanish cities.

As the birthplace of Paella, Valencia is also known for its homegrown rice, a source of pride, as its unique taste is a result of the minerals in the water.

You can also easily spend a day eating your way through the popular central market, tasting local specialties from all over the region.

@amberb0s Things to do in Valencia – ultimate guide #fyp #valencia #travel ♬ Slow Motion – AMARIA BB

Keep Busy

Visit Valencia in the middle of March for the crazy spectacle of parades and fireworks known as Las Fallas, and enjoy the party atmosphere with the locals.

Or get outside and check out the nearly 10 km-long Turia Park, a must-visit if you like walking or running outdoors; some even cite it as one of the best city parks they have ever seen.

It also should go without saying that by choosing to enjoy Valencia for a holiday as compared to Madrid or Barcelona, you will be saving money. Some estimate that Valencia is nearly $40 a day cheaper than Barcelona, so take those savings and plan your next trip to another underrated destination!

Attention Beach Lovers

Valencia sees over 300 days of sunshine a year, which is perfect since there are over 12 miles of beach to enjoy near the city.

Las Areanas, La Patacoa, and La Malvarrosa are all the ones you can find closest to the Old Town, offering over 2 miles of the seafront to enjoy, with no end of bars and restaurants to watch the sea roll in after a full day of lounging under an umbrella.

Valencia Awaits

While Valencia might be known as being the more livable and practical of Spain’s major cities, that’s not to say it is lacking in charm.

Come here for a sunny and fun time, take in the history of the area, enjoy the landmarks and the food, and don’t forget to give the beaches a chance as well.

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July 28, 2023
Why Summer Is The Best Time To Visit This Charming And Less Visited Region Of Spain

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With around 27 million visitors annually, Barcelona is one of Spain’s most sought destinations.

While Bareclona’s beautiful beaches are a top reason for attracting so many visitors, it also means that summer is an overpopulated season.

And it doesn’t get much better in the south of Spain. Places like Malaga and Granada have their beaches packed with tourists and locals. Thus your best option for exploring Spain in the summer with fewer crowds and more sun is to head to places not everyone goes.

One of Spain’s best summer spots is Asturias. Here’s why it makes for a perfect summer destination.

Where is Asturias?

Asturias is an autonomous region of Spain located in the country’s northwestern part. There are three main areas that locals and tourists tend to visit, Oviedo, Gijon, and Aviles.

Most of the landscape has lush green mountain ranges and coastal hills. The region also borders the Atlantic coast, which offers many beach options.

What Asturias has to offer for summertime travel

Asturias receives heavy rain throughout the year, which is why it’s known to be a part of Green Spain. However, during the summer, the skies are sunny, with a comfortable average temperature of about 82 degrees Fahrenheit. And ocean waters are typically around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Asturias is the place to be with its warm yet not exhaustingly hot weather.

Although Cadiz and Costa del Sol are known for their stunning beaches, Asturias has a variety of beautiful and lesser-known beaches to visit. Natural vegetation surrounds many beaches, so you won’t find many amenities. Yet, you will enjoy sunbathing on warm sand surrounded by beautiful green plants.

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Here are some beach recommendations.

Campiecho Beach can be reached by foot or by car. Located in Valdes, Asturias, this beach is a pebble beach with strong waves.

Moro Beach is a small sandy beach in Navia popular with nudists.

Arnao Beach is a semi-urban beach with calm and dark blue waters.

Besides the beaches, Asturias has more to offer for a summer adventure. It is a region that has preserved ancient history through ancient cave art and the dinosaur coast.

There are five main caves with paleolithic rock art dating from 35,000 and 11,000 BCE. These caves include El Pindal, La Peña de Candamo, Llonín, La Covaciella, and Tito Bustillo.

Yet Asturias’s time travel adventures don’t stop there. Along the coastline of Gijón and Ribadesell, fossils and dinosaur footprints were found, which is how this area became the dinosaur coast. If you want to see the bones collected up close and personal, you can check out Asturia’s Jurassic Museum.

Great summertime cuisine

Asturias will not disappoint with their various food options that satisfy your hunger after a day of exploring.

A must-try is the cheese. Asturias is known for being the dairy region of Spain. Their most famous cheese is called cabrales, made from a mixture of cow, goat, and sheep milk. And if you love cheese, you can even visit dairy farms and ancient cheese caves.

Aren’t caves a useful and cool shelter from the summer heat?

Besides the delectable cheese, many more food options are available to please your taste buds. Asturias is also known for their stews. However, you’ll want to take advantage of the flavorful seafood during the summer months.

Some popular dishes include chipirones (fried squid), mariscada (a platter of local shellfish), and mejillones picantes (spicey mussels). After you enjoy these meals, wash them down with the famous Asturias dry ciders.

How to get to Asturias

Although Asturias is not on most tourists’ radars, it is simple to get to. There is only one international airport, Asturias Airport(OVD). Yet you can fly directly from major European cities such as London and Paris. There are also several domestic flights you can take from Madrid or Barcelona.

Once you land, you can easily explore the city by walking or using taxis and public transport.

Asturias can be your hidden gem if you’re looking for a summer getaway.

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July 25, 2023
Why This Charming Mexican City Is More Than Just A Weekend Getaway
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Many travelers who consider going to Mexico opt for the more trendy destinations over finding somewhere new.

Depending on whether they are looking for a fun beach vacay or wanting to immerse themselves in Mexico’s beautiful culture, they may choose places like Oaxaca, Cancun or Mexico City.

The latter has become quite a trendy place for travelers in recent years. Those who come to the capital of Mexico will also be in close proximity to an overlooked gem.

Puebla is a city within approximately a 2-hour drive. Those who have already discovered Puebla’s magic often consider it to be a day trip or weekend getaway from Mexico City.

There is so much to explore here, so those who have only stayed for a short time are cutting themselves short on what this charming, historical city has to offer.

The City Of Puebla

A simple search online about Puebla will result in multiple weekend guides and how to take the perfect Instagram photo with the backdrop of Puebla’s infamous volcano, Popocatépetl.

The problem with that is there is more to experience in just two full days! The endless food options would be almost impossible to take in on a 48-hour trip.

Puebla is also the name of the state, but the city of Puebla is the main gastronomical hub of the region.

This area of Mexico is home to some of the most authentic traditional Mexican cuisine known to man.

According to the Minister of Tourism in Puebla, “The state’s capital is the second municipality with more museums in Mexico, and gastronomy is our heritage with Chiles en Nogada, Rib Mole, and Mole poblano, among many others.”

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To truly get a taste of all the culinary offerings here, one would need to stay for an extended time.

Two of the more common food items on local menus are Mole Poblano and Chiles en Nogada, which might have foodie travelers salivating from looks alone.

Mole Poblano typically derives from turkey, chocolate and a mix of various peppers totaling dozens of ingredients.

Chiles en Nogada is a vibrant dish that is a signature staple of Puebla. It is made from locally sourced ingredients, such as poblano peppers and a unique sauce made from nuez de Castilla.

It might be advised to wander the colorful streets of the city before eating as it would be extremely hard not to indulge in the spectacular flavors of Puebla.

The city itself is a proud historical destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it was a highly important piece of Mexican history dating back all the way to the 16th century.

Back then, over 280 temples were constructed to satisfy various sects of religious beliefs. Travelers will find some beautifully preserved architecture still standing today across the region.

Visitors to the city will find a vast array of comfortable hotel options ranging from high-end hotels to remodeled boutique accommodations in the historic buildings.

Many are located near the city’s main museums to gain a better understanding of how Puebla came to be what it is today.

Beyond The City Limits

While there is nothing wrong with spending the majority of time in the city of Puebla, travelers would be remised if they didn’t take time to explore some of the region’s Pueblos Magicos.

There are 10 Magical Towns worth seeing:
- Huauchinango
- Xicotepec de Juarez
- Chignahuapan
- Cuetzalan
- Cholula
- Atlixco
- Zacatlan
- Tlatlauquitepec
- Tetela
- Pahuatlan
Each town is unique in its own way and acceptable for all ages. Cholula might be the most well-known as it sits toward the base of the picturesque Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes.

Sadly, there is no Cholula hot sauce factory to tour as the popular condiment has no relation to the town.

What travelers will find is a small community happy to have them visit and be able to explore important landmarks, such as pyramid ruins and numerous colonial temples.

Many visitors come for the scenic nature of the state of Puebla. Not only is there gorgeous scenery outside the city limits, but travelers will also find the culinary scene is still superb on the outskirts.

Those wanting a taste of neighboring Oaxaca can easily double dip in Mexican culture through this loophole.

Tour guides take travelers to the nature reserve of Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, a region neighboring the state of Oaxaca.

Here, tourists will get to experience expansive food options. Through Mezcal Aislados, traditional alcoholic beverages as well.

Mezcal is a pillar of Oaxacan culture. Travelers can get a taste of the agave-based booze without stepping foot in Oaxaca while also taking in Puebla’s natural beauty.

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April 17, 2023