As is customary, National Geographic has released its ‘Best of the World’ listings ahead of the upcoming year. Selecting the top five destinations for a cultural immersion in 2023, the publication included a South Carolina city alongside European and African giants, in a surprising move that could have Old World enthusiasts wondering why it featured at all.
We all know Europe, Africa, and Asia tend to dominate cultural rankings due to their ageless charm, cities that feel like open–air museums, and multitudes of classical monuments. The newly-born United States, and most of its neighbors, all younger than three or four centuries, usually pale in comparison to Italy, Egypt, and China on that front.
This is now changing, as the ‘overly modern’ America finally gets acknowledged for its contribution to the culture – and a Free World, to an extent.
A City Best Known For Its Dark Yet Fascinating Past
The U.S. may not have a Colosseum, limestone pyramids jutting out of the sands in the desert, or a two-thousand-year-old defensive wall stretching for miles on end defining its ancient borders, but it is home to an extensive list of vibrant cities that are centers for the arts, and appear on the bucket list of millions of travelers.
You certainly will not find castles or medieval Old Towns here, but as National Geographic infers, there is one American city on a par with the Eastern Hemisphere when it comes to historical relevance: the small, charming, landmark-packed city of Charleston, South Carolina, established in the year 1670 as a European colony.
Named after a British king, Charles II, and originally populated by a majority of British and Irish settlers, Charleston quickly rose to prominence as a key port in the transatlantic slave trade. Similarly to Eastern Europe, which provided the stage for human catastrophes during World War II, Charleston has a dark – yet fascinating – past.
According to Historians, almost half of all enslaved peoples that were forcibly brought to the modern-day United States from the African continent arrived at the port in Charleston. Naturally, it flourished as one of the largest American cities of its period, monopolizing the slave trade and becoming an affluent settlement.
Some Of The Most Beautiful Colonial Architecture In The United States
Aside from its complex History, which it apologized for back in 2018, Charleston is known for being America’s prime example of a well-preserved colonial center. The municipality has a whopping 2,500 historical buildings in different architectural styles, the most popular being Colonial, Federal, Victorian and Classical Revival.
Its Downtown Area, formally called the Charleston Historic District, marks the city’s old boundaries on a peninsula at the confluence of two rivers, and it looks almost ripped from the pages of a History book. The entire district is classed by the U.S. Government as a National Historic Landmark, mostly due to its vast collection of 18th and 19th-century houses.
A main point of interest in the historic peninsula are the famous Charleston ‘single houses’, described as being narrow residences with long porches surrounding the external structure, almost like ‘exterior hallways‘. In other districts, such as Ansonborough, houses built in the Greek Revival style can be found, as well as Art Deco and Neo-Gothic.
World-Class Museums To Keep History Buffs Busy For Days
Seeing that it is a major cultural hub in the U.S., South Carolina’s largest metro area has several museums paying homage to its heritage:
The Charleston Museum, chronicling the city’s colonial past well into the contemporary era;
The Gibbes Museum of Art, where iconic masterpieces can be found, such as Charles Fraser’s James Reid Pringle;
Old Slave Mart, an antebellum slave auction gallery now converted into a museum focusing on Charleston’s role in slavery;
The Museum at Market Hall, housed in a Greek Revivalist building dating to 1841 and touching on the Civil War, and many more.
National Geographic specifically mentions a new attraction that is opening on January 21, the International African American Museum, symbolically facing Charleston Harbor, where 100,000 enslaved Africans would have arrived. Here, visitors will be able to walk nine galleries where ‘harrowing tales’ of plantation life are exposed.
Additionally, the museum has a section dedicated to the ‘enduring cultural contributions’ the enslaved Africans made to South Carolina, particularly the Gullah Geechee, an ethnic, protected minority now living in both Carolinas and Florida. Besides the future landmark, the magazine also mentions Charleston’s ‘walkable urbanism‘ and ‘Low Country cuisine’.
Other destinations mentioned are the Appian Way, the ancient Roman road traversing the Italian Peninsula all the way to Rome, dotted with historical ruins, Busan in South Korea, a seaside metropolis where prestigious film and art festivals are held yearly, Egypt, which will see the debut of Tutankhamun’s new home, and the intriguing Longmen Grottoes in China.
We just spent a weekend in what’s arguably the most liberal and ‘free’ city in the Middle East, and the things we found and saw there were far more surprising – and dare we say, exciting – than we were expecting.
Writing for Travel Off Path, I like to think of myself as a lover of freedom and advocate for an open world. After all, we have been covering the different levels of restrictions imposed on citizens over the course of the last two years and strongly supporting the resumption of normal tourism. As a traveler myself, I tend to favor destinations where individual liberties are upheld.
Not only when it comes to freedom of movement, but where people are not persecuted or criminalized based on their gender, sexuality, or political views, and that is safe in general for outsiders who don’t speak the language and/or are unfamiliar with the local customs.
Health crisis aside, I mostly avoided the Middle East in my years of traveling, not because it didn’t appeal to me – Iraq, for instance, is one of my bucket list destinations – but because it has developed a reputation for being a hotbed of religious quagmires and strict laws governing social life… Right?
As it turns out, that’s not always true, especially when it comes to this one compact metropolitan gem tucked away on the Eastern shores of the Mediterranean:
Not The Middle East I Expected
I’ll take a guess here, and please, do let me know if I’m wrong in the comment section. When you think ‘Israel’, the first image that pops to mind is probably that of ancient cities carved out of limestone, where both History and religion walk hand in hand, and the droves of pilgrims flock into every corner looking for some sort of religious awakening.
Am I wrong? Well, that’s not too far from the truth, as Israel is, indeed, the Land of the Bible, as well as home to places held as holy in all three major religions – Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. We all know it can be an incredible destination for believers, irrespective of the Abrahamic branch they belong to, but what about others?
Others like me, who are thrill-seeking young digital nomads who do not feel strongly about any particular religion and who wouldn’t necessarily mind the occasional infusion of History, but are simply hoping to have a cracking time for once. Luckily for both demographics, Israel has the best of both worlds: sites of huge historical importance and unparalleled city breaks.
Of course, it is the birthplace of Jesus, John the Baptist, King Herod, and all other Bible icons that have long been in our social imagery, whether we were born into a Christian household or simply hail from the Christianized Western World. But then again, it is home to Tel Aviv, which is the most overlooked city I’ve ever set foot in… and perhaps one of the most vibrant.
What Makes Tel Aviv Great?
In a country as packed with millennia-old monuments and wild nature as Israel is, Tel Aviv is a city that looks almost out of place. Its monumental skyscrapers cannot be found anywhere else, and the unblemished white of its signature Bauhaus architecture looks strikingly alien in a country where the ocher-tinged tone of its historical buildings is the commanding color.
Tel Aviv is an aberration, and although some of the Orthodox Jews of Israel would certainly like to keep it in line with the more-conservative Jerusalem and Nazareth, I mean it as a compliment of the highest order. This is the Land of Creation’s younger, rebellious child, who owes its charming looks to a century of innovation and openness to the outside world.
It couldn’t have been any different: it was established on the shores of Israel’s central Mediterranean Coast in the early 20th century, and throughout the decades that followed, it hosted an influx of migration from the Americas, Europe, and other Middle Eastern neighbors, as far southwest as the continent of Africa.
This amalgamation of cultures, customs, languages, and ethnicity is still very much present in Tel Aviv. It is indisputably a city belonging to the Jewish State at its core, but if you’re looking for Israel’s equivalent to a multi-faith international community and/or more permissive branches of Judaism, then here is where you’ll find them.
Being a gay man holding what I would like to consider a ‘progressive’ worldview, I felt at ease in Tel Aviv as I would normally in Amsterdam, Stockholm, or Lisbon. Granted, I can’t speak for other groups, and certainly not for women, but even then, I was under the impression tourists from all walks of life would feel just as embraced and welcome as I was.
In fact, finding the odd rainbow flag proudly displayed on a private balcony or a shop’s front door isn’t a strange sight in Tel Aviv. In the wider Middle East, where numerous countries still criminalize same-sex relationships or even expect women to live under certain constraints, this is certainly a testament to its status as a young, free city.
Top Things To Do In A Weekend In Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv may look imposing in pictures when it excels at mimicking New York City’s skyscraper-dotted skyline, but in reality, it is a small town with big city aspirations. By that, I mean it is incredibly compact, in spite of its metropolitan feel, and getting from one end to the other will not take you longer than 35-40 minutes of driving (if there’s traffic).
This is why it is such a perfect weekend getaway: most of the attractions are all clumped together and can be seen in a single day. Below, I have listed six of my favorite things to do while on a weekend in Tel Aviv:
6. Swim At One Of The City’s Beaches
You’re free to be yourself in Israel.
Many Americans may not be entirely aware of this, but Israel straddles Western Asia’s Mediterranean shore. In other words, the world’s most sought-after beach destination, where Ibiza, Santorini, Cyprus, and the like are located, incorporates Israel on an extent – and like any Mediterranean hub, Tel Aviv’s access to the sea makes it a popular swimming hotspot.
I’m not even one for beach hopping myself, but I certainly couldn’t resist relaxing at a Hilton Beach lounge on a scorching mid-September afternoon, fresh-squeezed lemonade and Kindle at hand, hearing the sound of waves crashing and the faint hint of pop music coming from the nearest beach bar. Absolute heaven.
It is also known for being the ‘gay beach’ of Tel Aviv, though judging by its diverse crowd of young bathers, it is popular among all groups. However, if you’re coming with your family and would prefer a more child-friendly spot, I can suggest Gorden Beach instead, located directly opposite the Sheraton Hotel, or even Geula Beach.
5. Go For A Bite To Eat At Carmel Market
Around 50 – 66 NIS (≈ $14 – $19 USD) for a one-course meal
I’m not the biggest fan of street markets myself. I have little use for the trinkets and souvenirs shouting vendors try to sell you at any cost, nor do I particularly enjoy being hurried along amid the current of tourists and other curious onlookers exercising their bargaining skills. For that reason, I wasn’t truly looking forward to visiting the open-air Carmel Market.
It was, however, part of my Tel Aviv Weekend Tour itinerary, and as soon as we approached the first row of shops stacked with Persian rugs, art pieces looking meticulously made, and the smell of kebab grilling on skewers, I knew I was in for a treat, and couldn’t have been more grateful to my guide, Michael Skir, for insisting we came here.
Carmel Market couldn’t be farther from your usual tourist trap, with all its colorful flowers – irises, gladiolas, and roses that owe their blood-red vibrancy to a prosperous Mediterranean climate – dried fruits, dates, and other Western Asia classics, as well as a plethora of unique condiments I would have loved to take home myself, were I not a dreadful cook.
Moreover, it is one of the best lunch spots in all of Tel Aviv: its corridors are home to various restaurants and street food stalls, and I certainly felt spoiled for choice in picking a favorite. If your heart is set on traditional Middle Eastern cuisine – especially if you’re hoping to sample some humus – then this is the place to be.
Perhaps the farthest out of the six – that is, if you’re staying central – Tel Aviv University’s ANU Museum was bound to become one of my highlights for a very simple reason: my favorite pastime is cuddling up to my cat, burying my nose in a book, and spending hours on end ruffling through the pages, lost in thought.
A museum chronicling the trajectory of Israel as one of Ben Gurion’s most ambitious projects, and then a nation over time, ANU felt very much like a giant-sized book full of textures and vibrant imagery I could just walk into. Similarly to the Museum of Contemporary History in Bonn, Germany, still my all-time favorite, each floor of ANU is dedicated to a particular period of Jewish History.
Slowly working your way down from the top floor, you will learn how ethnically diverse and surprisingly multicultural the Jewish peoples are, what has been their collective angst and goal across centuries, who are some of the brightest minds to have been born in Israel, and how far this relatively new country has come in as little as seven decades.
My only regret? Not having planned longer than an hour here.
3. Downtown Is Where It’s At
Catch the vibes.
Tel Aviv may not be the ideal destination for those fixated on deep cultural expeditions, but it does shine through with its extensive list of world-renowned restaurants, some of which I will detail further down, bohemian districts where youngsters pour into the streets for a much-needed weekend relief, and a cafe culture rivaling that of Europe.
The best place to feel the atmosphere and mingle with locals and visitors alike is the Downtown Area, close to the iconic Rothschild Avenue and any of the smaller streets feeding into it, such as Allenby, Florentin, and Levontin. Here, you will find alfresco dining options, quirky themed cafes waiting to go viral on TikTok, the country’s top-rated nightclubs, and even co-working spaces perfect for digital nomads.
Being completely unaware of Tel Aviv’s hidden wonders until I landed, I could have easily skipped the 20th-century city altogether and headed straight to the nearest Roman-era citadel. Sky-high apartment blocks, busy city life, and shopping centers are not exactly my cuppa, but now, I’m so glad that I didn’t.
It’s precisely this eccentricity and the city’s unique status as a modernized financial center in the heart of the primeval nation, whose existence has been enshrined on the pages of the world’s best-selling book, that make it worthwhile, even if only for a long weekend.
2. The White City
You’ll want to take your time here.
Besides being home to Israel’s liveliest social scene, Tel Aviv is a guidebook for minimalist aesthetics. An experimental ground for Bauhaus, a 1919 creation of German architect Walter Gropius, Tel Aviv’s historical center is home to a vast collection of whitewashed, UNESCO-listed monuments comprising the so-called ‘White City’.
Strolling the area, tourists are graced with views of rectangular-like or round structures without intricate decorations or the ornate, romantic forms you’ll find in Europe’s Belle epoque buildings. Tel Aviv’s oldest neighborhood, which defies other contemporary developments, is both a lesson in architectural practicality and a sight to behold.
These geometric shapes are spread across the city center, and they’re surely not hard to find, but for some of the most iconic sights, I strongly suggest you visit Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv”s pulsating vena cava, adorned with some of Gropius’ finest feats, and Dizengoff Square, the setting for a futuristic water fountain display flanked by Bauhaus landmarks.
1. The Ancient Jaffa
Tel Aviv’s equivalent to an Old Town.
My favorite district in all of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is an ancient port dating back thousands of years that was slowly absorbed by the city as it grew larger, rising from a mere 34,000 inhabitants in 1920 to over 400,000 today. Luckily, its strong identity as a distinct entity hasn’t entirely vanished, in spite of the contrasting 21st-century skyline surrounding it.
As soon as you cross the former municipality’s symbolic threshold, which proudly reads ‘Welcome to Old Jaffa’, you will feel like stepping back in time and into an alternate reality where Tel Aviv’s modern sea promenade and a cluster of skyscrapers give way to narrow alleyways, lined with little craft shops, museums, and centuries-old churches.
Doubtless, Jaffa is the most Instagrammable district in Tel Aviv, and in short walking distance of the White City, it makes for an incredible day trip away from all the hustle and bustle. Once in Jaffa, make sure you check out:
Jaffa Port
Ilana Goor Museum
The Flea Market
The ‘Suspended Orange Tree’
The Frank Meisler Gallery
The Great Mahmoudiya Mosque
St Peter’s Church
The House of Simon the Tanner
Tel Aviv Should Be Every Foodie’s Dream Destination
Out of the 40 countries I have visited so far, and more than 200 cities globally, I must confess Tel Aviv would rank somewhere in my top 5 for foodie destinations. Whether it’s sizzling shoarmas straight from the market, or fine dining overlooking the Mediterranean coast, travelers are for sure in for a treat, irrespective of budget.
My tour group, headed by Michael Skir Tours enjoying a Mediterranean-style dinner in the famous Manta Ray Restaurant
Compiling the list below was a tough pick, but I did try my very best:
Puaa, a mid-range cafe and restaurant located in the heart of Old Jaffa’s flea market, is known for its variety of hummus, cheese, and Mediterranean dishes (I cannot recommend their Balkan-style moussaka highly enough);
ARIA, features a downstairs bar and lounge and a cozy upstairs restaurant with views of Downtown Tel Aviv. Their Arab-style mains are beautiful, especially the Persian kebab with fresh vegetables and tahini;
Manta Ray is a beach-side restaurant known the world over for its comprehensive seafood menu and the assortment of Meze that accompany it, ranging from Mediterranean salads to Balkan bread and everything in between.
As a devoted foodie myself, and an enthusiast of off-path travel, I couldn’t help but verge off the main route and explore a side of Tel Aviv most tourists are completely unaware exists. Luckily, my guide Michael knew just where to go to quench my thirst for authentic experiences, and thanks to him, I met one of Israel’s most renowned cooks, Myassar Seri.
Mrs. Seri is an Israeli citizen of Palestinian origin who leads cooking workshops from her own home, nestled in Jaffa, and who has done an awe-inspiring job at bridging gaps between Israelis, regardless of their religion or political inclinations, and sharing her culture with other men and women who are willing to learn it.
Amid the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict, witnessing this woman’s willingness to heal old wounds, and express her own family history through a rich, flavorful Arab cuisine that’s been passed along generations upon generations, is an experience I will cherish forever, and one I can only encourage other visitors to undertake.
As you’ve been made aware already, I may be a terrible cook myself, and I am sure I wasn’t of much help in my group, but in spite of my clumsiness and ceaseless efforts to spoil the tahini – one of my main tasks that day – it still turned out to be one of tastiest entrées I’ve had in my life.
Either I’m not nearly as bad in the kitchen as I thought I was, or Mrs. Seri’s miracle-working hands somehow saved the day.
I’m banking on the latter.
It Was A Movie…
Cinema Hotel, Zamenhoff St 1
If you’re flying all the way from America to Israel and you’re planning on spending a weekend in Tel Aviv, like me, I would first advise you to steer clear of shady AirBnB owners and stay in the White City area, a prime location for short-term visitors, within walking distance to all the major shopping centers, street markets and the Port of Jaffa.
I will go even further and personally recommend Esther Cinema, my own hotel. A true Bauhaus jewel towering over Dizengoff Square, one of the main landmarks I mentioned earlier, this hotel has a life of its own. Not only was it once one of Tel Aviv’s first cinemas, it boasts incredible views of the White City below and a sumptuous breakfast spread.
Today, other than the vintage film posters hanging from the walls and the enviable display of movie projectors dating back to the 1950s, there is little left of Esther Cinema on site to indicate that this hotel, part of Atlas’ Boutique portfolio, was ever designed to welcome passionate moviegoers, but you will still find:
It is remarkably stylish, with an interior that pays homage to the decayed magic of Hollywood
Breakfast is included, with a wide array of salads, pastries, and even hot dishes that kept me full until the early evenings
The hotel hosts a happy hour with complimentary refreshments, other tidbits, and live music
Amid the current hotel fare surge in other beach destinations, Cinema Hotel’s are still relatively affordable*
*The price for a Twin Room is an estimated USD 188.00 per night on Booking.com
How To Get To Tel Aviv
Direct flights to Ben Gurion International, Israel’s main entry hub serving both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, are available from:
Boston (EL AL Israel Airlines)
Chicago O’Hare (United Airlines)
Las Vegas (EL AL Israel Airlines)
Miami (American Airlines + EL AL Israel Airlines)
New York-JFK (American Airlines + EL AL Israel Airlines)
New York-Newark (EL AL Israel Airlines + United Airlines)
San Francisco (EL AL Israel Airlines + United Airlines)
Washington-Dulles (United Airlines)
I’d advise you to check airfares with each airline for more competitive prices – as we have seen this year, they might have been hiked as a result of the soaring inflation. On the bright side, those looking for a last-minute deal for their fall vacays will be thrilled to learn this off-season has been the best time to book international flights globally.
Can I Travel To Israel If I’m Unvaccinated?
Earlier this year, Israel removed all health entry requirements for foreign visitors, including U.S. citizens arriving from the United States. Heading into the fall, all of the following apply:
No vaccination certificates are required, including boosters
No pre-departure testing, even for the unvaccinated
No post-arrival testing
No post-arrival quarantine at a government-listed facility
No mandatory masks in any public settings
Despite the relaxation of measures, tourists must still complete a Passenger Locator Form up to 48 hours prior to departure.
So yes, Tel Aviv – and, to an extent, the astoundingly beautiful country of Israel – is open for tourism and looking forward to having you back. For unique experiences and a customized itinerary based on your own profile as a traveler, get in touch with the knowledgeable Michael Skir, who was my own contact on the ground while in Israel.
Without Mr. Skir’s expertise, insightful comments,and love for Israel, it would have been much more challenging to peel off all these layers of Tel Aviv I didn’t even know existed.
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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
With travel prices expected to rise for the winter vacation months and the shoulder season upon us, it looks like the fall is the best time to book your next adventure, whether it be international or domestic. And for all of you wanting to visit New York City now that the summer tourists have left, there’s a bunch of reasons why you should starting planning your trip in the near future.
Here are some of the perks and best reasons why the fall months are the perfect time to book your trip to New York City.
Best Time To Book Your Flight To New York City
If you’re worried about a big spike in flight prices for the last few months of 2022, from analyzing the trends it looks like October is currently the cheapest month to book that trip to New York City.
We checked out the latest flight prices on Skyscanner, did a search for the “Cheapest Month” for flights from cities across the U.S. to New York and October came up as the best month.
If you want to plan a December trip to New York City, we also recommend booking that flight in October to lock in the best price. New York City during the holidays is nothing short of magical, so know there are still ways to find the best prices for that trip.
And according to Hopper’s Fall Shoulder Season guide, flight prices will be the cheapest when booked 3-6 weeks before your scheduled departure. This rule currently applies to booking domestic trips in the U.S. The average posted in Hopper’s guide on flights to New York City is $212, down $138 dollars compared to this summer.
So if you want to head to New York City for the holidays, check prices in early October (and set up a price alert!) to start the booking process. Price alerts can help you predict when the best window for booking is according to the price trends, and you’ll be able to grab that flight deal before prices rise again.
Hotel Prices Drop During November
For hotels, a lot of prices will drop by end of October and through November, because it marks the end of the high season (or the beginning of the low season, depending on how you look at it!). Hotel prices will go way up for the last two weeks of December and into January, so try and lock those prices before they spike.
Visiting New York in November means that you might see the first snow, wander around without all the big crowds, and experience get the tail end of the fall colors.
Train Travel To New York
Another great reason to book (and travel) to New York City during the fall months is to experience the foliage. On top of air travel, on the ground travel is ramping up to New York, with Amtrak recently adding routes from Canada as well as this New England city.
A bonus about booking your trip to New York in October is that the summer rush is over, New Yorkers are heading back to the city from the countryside and things are getting back to New York time. With the summer tourists gone, you can enjoy the fall months with locals and experience the fall foliage.
As of the time of writing, the Amtrak strike will not affect train routes to New York City.
New York City Travel Tips You Didn’t Think You Needed
Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you visit New York:
Broadway doesn’t have to be expensive: You don’t have to spend big $$ to see a Broadway show! Broadway is back big time and 2022 has seen some amazing shows so far. And, seeing these performances on the cheap has never been easier.
The TKTS discount booth just reopened at Lincoln Center, which is where you can stand in line to get half-off Broadway tickets the day of the show. There’s also TodayTix, a handy app where you can book same-day Broadway tickets and even apply for the lottery to get cheap tickets.
Don’t take Ubers everywhere: Getting around by ride-share apps like Uber might seem like the quickest way to get around New York City. But if you’re in town for more than a few days, consider traveling around by subway. The New York City MetroCard is just over $30 for 7 days of unlimited travel on the MTA, so you can get around all 5 boroughs for a week for the same price of about two Uber rides.
Booking your hotel for shoulder season, and last-minute: When looking for the best hotel deals, it’s always a good idea to check third-party sites like booking.com as they post cheap last-minute hotel deals for any destinations.
There’s a TON of free things to do in New York: Check beforehand for any events like free museum days before your trip so you can make your itinerary as budget-friendly as possible. There’s also so many free things to do in the city that are worth checking out. The fall months is also a great time for walking around, and one of the best ways to explore New York is on foot.
Discover the city’s walk-in restaurants: Some of the best eats in New York City don’t require a reservation. Here’s a great article on the best walk-in restaurants in New York City.
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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
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:
Mexico City
Queretaro
Morelia
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:
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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
It seems the soaring cost of travel is no match for Sin City’s appeal. While many believed the entertainment capital would suffer heavy losses amid the cost of living crisis, when purchasing power and travel demand inevitably drop, Las Vegas has never been hotter, both figuratively and literally, being named the happiest city to vacation in the U.S. this year.
Recently, we have received reports of hidden hotel fees skyrocketing, as well as other price hikes across a number of venues as the busy destination struggled to come to terms with a surge in arrival figures, and the unstable economy. Even then, the entertainment capital far exceeded expectations, with tourism increasing by a surprising 37% in 2022 alone.
Now, Club Med has an explanation for all this Vegas love, which hasn’t faded in the slightest in spite of a turbulent year:
How Have Experts Come To This Conclusion?
Club Med is a travel operator known for offering luxury all-inclusive vacations around the world. Yearly, they reveal the world’s ‘Top 10 Happiest Holiday Destinations’, based on metrics that travelers normally take into account when planning a trip. Yes, ‘happy’ isn’t just an abstract idea: according to Club Med, it can be measured.
One of them is ‘safety levels’. As the group states, the lower crime rates are, the more ‘at ease’ tourists feel when traveling. Notably, security has been a cause of concern for Americans visiting a number of places in Mexico lately, with some major cities south of the border deemed risky destinations, including Guanajuato and Guadalajara.
Now more than ever, travelers are acting with caution. Other than the crime and safety indexes, important factors considered for the survey were:
Pollution Index
Cost of domestic beers*
Number of outdoor activities per 100,000 population
Number of day trips per 100,000 population
Number of spa and wellness centers per 100,000 population
LGBTQ+ friendliness
Overall happiness score
*0.5L draught in a restaurant
Conducting the research, Med Club resorted to ‘multiple sources’, compiling data on 50 of the most visited destinations globally. For instance, their pollution, crime and cost of beer data can be traced back to Numbeo, while Tripadvisor provided the ratio for outdoor activities, day trips and availability of wellness centers.
Lastly, Nomadlist is referenced for information on the happiness levels of individual cities and their openness to diversity – namely, how well LGBTQ+ travelers are perceived, and whether there are sexually-diverse activities and events. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Las Vegas ranked at number two within the top ten – the highest-charting in the U.S. and North America.
With an index of 73.7/100 among surveyed U.S. destinations, and 67.1/100 in the international ranking, Vegas faces off heavy competition from places like New Orleans, Washington and Nashville domestically, as well as Barcelona (Spain) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) globally. In case you were wondering, this is why Sin City remains at the top of its game:
Vegas Love Is At An All-Time High
Vegas is simply the place to be if you’re looking for unique experiences, one of the most important items assessed on this research. Considering other data from Hostelworld, which concluded that, in a post-pandemic world, 74 per cent of travelers are favoring natural world experiences, we can definitely see why Vegas is still such a strong name.
Not only it is a global hub known for the opulence of its top-rated luxury hotels lining the iconic Vegas Strip, and lively nightlife, it is the official gateway into the Nevada wilderness. As Club Med affirms, there are over 40 outdoor activities listed in Vegas and the surrounding zones, explaining its popularity among both partygoers and nature lovers.
Within close proximity to the Grand Canyon National Park, it serves as a hub for millions of adventurers seeking to explore America’s desolate, most famous landscape. Some of the tours visitors can book through Tripadvisor include:
Deluxe helicopters tours of the Grand Canyon
7-day VIP tours of the Grand Canyon
Kayak tours of the Emerald Cove
Mojave Desert day trip
Antelope Canyon
Primm Valley and Hidden Valley
On the safety front, Club Med mentions it has a ‘high safety score’, corroborating other findings that the Nevada jewel is, indeed, a ‘low risk’ destination. Unlike these other five vacation spots, where the risk of getting scammed is substantially higher, you’ll be under no particularly high threat from robbers strolling Downtown Vegas.
Lastly, Vegas is an LGBTQ+ haven, featuring countless inclusive bars, clubs, and even gay resorts. It is also home to some of the nation’s most sought-after live attractions: stars like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, widely recognized as gay icons, all had, or still have concert residencies in the city.
Perfect for all traveler profiles, Vegas is without a question the happiest vacation destination in America, and this far outweighs its biggest weakness: low affordability. Even then, we find it unlikely those dreaming of a Vegas adventure, and carefully planning it, are doing so on a super strict budget.
After all, this is a city synonymous with splurging.
The Top 10 Happiest Destinations In North America
Las Vegas, Nevada
New Orleans, Louisana
Vancouver (Canada)
San Francisco, California
Washington, D.C.
Los Angeles, California
Portland, Oregon
Toronto (Canada)
Halifax (Canada)
Nashville, Tennessee
Top 10 Happiest Destinations In The World
Bali, Indonesia
Las Vegas, United States
New Orleans, United States
Barcelona, Spain
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Budapest, Hungary
Vancouver, Canada
San Francisco, United States
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
More information on the list and its methodology can be found here.
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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
Flight costs have soared through the roof since the world reopened for tourism. In the U.S., a pent-up travel demand has pushed prices up the highest, with the airfare inflation being attributed to a handful of destinations only. One of them is New York, named by TravelPerk the most expensive city for air travel right now.
The data compiled by the travel management company proves that the issues facing the aviation sector at present are not merely operational, or exclusively related to staffing shortages. These can also be traced back to fuel costs and the global economic recession, that is making flying increasingly expensive, particularly at major airports.
Like New York:
Fares For Some New York Routes Are Up By As Much As 62 Per Cent
According to TravelPerk, travel costs in the Eastern U.S. have ‘increased the most’ in the second quarter, being the highest within the States, and on an extent, among the main global destinations. More specifically, the city of New York occupies the entire top three for most expensive airfares during the April 1st-June 30th period.
To put it simply, flying into and out of New York has never been costlier, whether it’s domestic or international routes. Fares for the ever-busy New York-Paris route has registered a staggering 62 per cent increase, the steepest rise on the list, while New York-Amsterdam is up a more moderate 36 per cent compared to the first quarter.
Domestically, flights from New York to San Francisco on the West Coast ‘nearly doubled’, indicating affordable air travel is seriously under threat, in Europe and beyond, for as long as the worldwide economic upheaval continues. The dire prospect has led even United to directly call out the American Government on their foreign policy strategy.
Namely, the country’s dependence on foreign oil, which has done Americans no favor after Russia started a violent campaign against its neighbor Ukraine, seriously disrupting the global supply chains. After all, Russia is the second largest oil producer, and the sanctions enacted against it have forced countries to seek alternatives elsewhere – at a cost.
August And September May Be The Best Months To Visit New York
Commenting on the data, TravelPerk Chief Revenue Officer JC Taunay-Bucalo confirmed inflated airfares in locations such as New York are directly linked to ‘increased fuel costs, a shortage of labor and disruptions to the global economy’. In more dispiriting news, Taunay-Bucalo expects this upward trend to remain for the rest of the year.
Comparatively, there may be some ‘relief’ for travelers who were unable to fly during the summer due to the prohibitive costs. Amid the oscillating prices, August and September may actually be the best months to travel, when fares should drop significantly, albeit temporarily, ahead of new hikes forecast for November and December.
Expensive tickets are not the only thing making vacationers reconsider New York as their destination, or even a connecting hub: TravelPerk has found that accommodation in the city has ‘some of the highest levels of inflation‘ for the second yearly quarter, at 49 per cent. On the bright side, it doesn’t beat Chicago, up 77 per cent, or even Boston, up 63 per cent.
This is still no consolation, seeing that these ‘modest’ hotel fares are coupled with cripplingly overpriced flights. Some other international routes where pronounced rates were observed include Berlin-London (43 per cent), London-Berlin (42 per cent), London-New York (35 per cent), and Sao Paulo-Amsterdam (28 per cent).
The West Coast Manages To Avoid The Steep Airfare Rises
Interestingly, San Francisco, one of the Western U.S.’s busiest airports, has not been hit as hard. Hotels in the city have seen a 22 per cent increase in hotel costs, besides having the ‘lower’ airfare inflation rates, quarter-over-quarter, in stark contrast with New York’s towering figures. In fact, San Francisco flights to London are down 4 per cent.
As air travel becomes marred by exorbitant costs and widespread disruption, passengers may want to consider other (somewhat) cheaper means of transport, including the railway. Luckily for you, on this article, we have already rounded up five of the most incredible train journeys in North America, including the scenic New York to Chicago Cardinal Train.
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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
While New York might be known as the city that never sleeps, chances are you’ll still want somewhere to stay during your visit. You won’t have any shortage of options – here are six amazing luxury hotels to consider for your next trip.
1. CitizenM Times Square
This hotel boasts a fantastic location in Times Square as well as countless amenities. This is an excellent option for those looking to be in close proximity to some of the most popular places to visit in the city. Both Central Park and The Empire State Building, amongst other notable landmarks, are within a few minutes’ walk away. When it comes to what the hotel itself has to offer, you can look forward to a full range of luxury. The hotel offers 24-hour food and beverage service, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and stunning views of the city from the rooftop bar.
Park Terrace Hotel is located in midtown Manhattan. This modern, airy hotel is pet-friendly, in addition to a long list of other reasons you should consider staying. Some such reasons include how you’ll be able to look forward to onsite offerings such as an Italian restaurant and a spa. The location is also convenient for those looking to get around the city without a car – the hotel is within walking distance to some popular places to visit including Bryant Park itself, which is an ideal place to have an outdoor picnic lunch.
The rooms are quite spacious considering the incredible location, and not as expensive as some other hotels in the area, making the Park Terrace a great luxury option for less.
The Park Terrace also has a filtered water machine on each level where guests can refill unlimited bottles of clean drinking water for free.
This extravagantly elegant hotel is located across the street from Saint Patrick’s cathedral. It features some absolutely stunning Decour including countless crystal chandeliers and a lobby that truly lives up to the “palace” in its name. The beautiful interior is far from the only reason to stay, though. You can also look forward to an onsite bar and restaurant, valet services, and a spa. Additionally, Lotte New York Palace is pet-friendly, making this another great option for those looking to enjoy a luxurious stay while traveling with a furry friend.
This sleek, modern hotel is the perfect relaxing retreat after a long day of exploring the city. You can look forward to ending your day with a drink at Equinox Hotel’s on-site bar and restaurant. Or, let a long day of experiencing the city melt away with a trip to the hotel’s spa, which offers everything from massages to an Infrared Sauna. Those wanting to keep their fitness routine during vacation won’t be let down by the hotel’s fitness center, either. The state-of-the-art fitness center offers practically everything one could need to stay committed to their routine. Finally, check out the hotel’s pools. Their indoor pool is perfect for those still wanting to lounge poolside during cooler months. If you’re visiting in the summer, meanwhile, the outdoor pool offers gorgeous views of the sunset and the Hudson River.
The Kimberly Hotel is a wonderful mid-town option for anyone staying in Manhattan for an extended period of time. The suites are huge, around 600 square feet, which is almost unheard of in NYC, making them feel more like an apartment than a hotel room. Despite the massive rooms, the prices for The Kimberly aren’t jaw-dropping, so you can stay a few extra nights in your spacious abode. Most rooms feature outdoor space with a private balcony, another rarity in New York, and some even have views of the Chrysler building.
The Kimberly is one of the best value luxury hotels you can find in New York City. While the decor is an older ‘classic’ style, the furnishings are quality, sheets and towels are plush, and amenities are high-end brands.
The rooftop restaurant and bar is another massive perk of staying at The Kimberly and a must-do for any guest.
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Boutique hotels – generally defined by a smaller number of rooms and unique draws – are an amazing way to add some one-of-a-kind flair to your vacation. This list looks at 7 such amazing hotels in New York City.
1. The Kitano Hotel
This elegant hotel is a great choice for those looking for an amazing mix of high-quality lodging and everything you need in one location. The Kitano is perfect for a wide variety of travelers. Families with young children will find the hotel’s offering of cribs, as well as soundproof rooms, convenient. International travelers will also be right at home, as the hotel offers currency exchange as well as services in several languages (Japanese, French, Spanish, and English). On top of all of this, it also features some gorgeous Japanese-style decor as well as a revolving gallery of art pieces in the lobby.
Located in Little Italy, NobleDEN hotel features rooms that are the perfect mix of modern and elegant. Rooms will balconies are also available, which offer amazing views of the surrounding city. Additionally, the hotel features an on-site restaurant as well as services in several languages.
Located in Manhattan, The Ludlow offers some absolutely incredible views of the nearby city. This is far from all it offers, though. You can look forward to relaxing in one of the hotel’s clean, gorgeously decorated rooms with countless amenities – bathrooms, for instance, feature a rain shower as well as a bathtub. Enjoy some fresh air in the hotel’s lush, trellis-covered garden, then end your day with a drink from the hotel’s bar and lounge. The Ludlow also offers a 24/7 fitness center and is within a few miles of several notable spots such as Times Square.
Looking for sleek, luxurious lodging with a hard-to-beat location? Look no further than citizenM. This beautiful hotel is only a few minutes’ walk away from popular areas such as Times Square, and less than a mile from Central Park. For those looking to try New York’s transit system, it’s also nearby a subway stop. The hotel’s location is far from the only reason you should consider staying at citizenM. The hotel features a bright, modern decor style, as well as a high level of customization in guest rooms – lighting, temperature, and black-out curtains, are all controllable via an in-room iPad or a downloadable citizenM app. You can also look forward to enjoying other amenities such as the hotel’s fitness center and bar.
This bright, airy, and modern hotel is home to a vast variety of amenities that earn it its spot on this list. Enjoy some sunshine from the comfort of your room – and take in views of the city – with the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows the hotel features. Even better, in addition to some of your usual amenities such as a 24/7 gym, Crosby Street Hotel also offers some unique draws such as daily afternoon tea and weekly movie showings in their private theatre. Additionally, the hotel is located in the SoHo district of New York and is close to a ton of shopping opportunities.
This hotel has a truly one-of-a-kind selling point – it features a library. Even if you’re not much of a reader, though, you’ll still find yourself comfortable in one of the hotel’s tastefully decorated rooms. Guests can also expect to enjoy a meal from the hotel’s onsite restaurant. Additionally, you can look forward to gorgeous views of the city and excellent cocktails from their rooftop bar.
If you enjoy an artsy, one-of-a-kind vibe, this is the hotel for you. Ace Hotel is part of a chain of the hotel’s all featuring high-quality service, eclectic decor, and a variety of convenient amenities. Some such amenities include a fitness center and a bar, and the hotel is also pet-friendly. The location is ideal as well – located in the center of Manhattan, and approximately a 10-minutes walk away from Madison Square Garden.
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New York City wants no introduction. Sitting on the prime of many vacationers’ bucket lists, NYC is all the time poised to impress. Check out our footage to see why!
When prepared, browse trip packages to New York City: https://www.expedia.com/New-York.dx178293
#NewYorkCity is a global metropolis constructed on the shoulders of immigrants and their descendants.
The metropolis is house to eight million individuals and receives greater than 50 million guests per yr. Your New York City #trip ought to embrace sampling the meals of lots of various cultures. You can simply #discover on foot, by taxi, or through the well-known subway system.
No New York #sightseeing is full without a go-to to Times Square, which you’ve little question seen in lots of films. Take in its billboards, its many individuals, and its meals, then cross over to Central Park, which contains 850 acres of lakes and meadows, and is the setting for a lot of romantic comedy.
You even have your decide of artwork and historical past museums, in addition to the Reflecting Absence Memorial and Museum, the place you’ll be able to pay your respects to the victims of 9/11.
For now, we hope you take pleasure in watching this #journey #information as a lot as we loved making it.
More journey data around New York City: LINK
Subscribe to Expedia’s YouTube Channel for excellent journey movies and be a part of the dialog on the perfect trip concepts.
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1:24 – Empire State Building
1:51 – The Rockefeller Center
2:06 – Grand Central Station
2:21 – Fifth Avenue
2:39 – Times Square
3:00 – Central Park
3:23 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
3:46 – The Guggenheim Museum
4:00 – Reflecting Absence Memorial
4:27 – Little Italy
4:41 – SoHo
4:49 – Greenwich Village
5:00 – Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge
5:10 – Coney Island
