Tag: Crowds

  • Top 6 Places To Visit In Croatia This Summer To Avoid The Massive Crowds  

    Top 6 Places To Visit In Croatia This Summer To Avoid The Massive Crowds  

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    Croatia is one of the Mediterranean’s most visited tourist destinations, and in 2022 it became the most sought-after destination across Europe. And it’s easy to see why!

    But with 3.8 million tourists visiting Dubrovnik and 3.1 million tourists visiting Split each year, it can also be incredibly crowded, particularly during the summer months.

    Boats in croatia

    Despite this, Croatia is still home to many hidden treasures, particularly if you visit one of the 78 islands in the Croatian archipelago.  

    With that in mind, here are six of the best places to visit in Croatia if you want to get off the beaten path and avoid the massive crowds:  

    1. Zlarin

    Zlarin is a small island with a big personality. It is located close to the mainland city of Šibenik, making it easy to access. And at just 6km long, it is small but perfectly formed.  

    Visitors to Zlarin are attracted to its stone and pebble beaches, which are ideal for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or exploring on a stand-up paddleboard.

    Zlarin’s main harbor is incredibly picturesque, and the bars lining the harbor offer excellent views while watching the small fishing vessels return to shore or the larger yachts and catamarans dock.  

    Zlarin boasts four fortresses, but the most impressive of these is the St. Nicholas fortress, which is the only one located at sea.

    Constructed in 1525 to keep the Ottomans from landing on the mainland, you would need to take a boat or kayak to reach and explore the fortress.

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    zlarin croatia

    2. Sibenik

    Sibenik is a city book-ended by Split and Dubrovnik, which means many tourists simply ignore this picturesque coastal city. But that would be a huge mistake. Sibenik has all the same charm and vibrancy as Split and Dubrovnik but without the crowds.  

    Sibenik is a city that has a rich history and boasts original cobblestone streets and Medieval architecture.

    History buffs should head straight to St. James Cathedral, a magnificent and imposing building that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

    Other attractions worth exploring in Sibenik include the beautifully preserved national parks that surround the city and the Renaissance architecture of the city’s Town Hall.  

    sibenik croatia water and town

    3. Stari Grad

    Stari Grad is situated on the northern side of the popular island of Hvar.

    While Hvar attracts plenty of tourists, many of these head to Hvar town and its well-publicized party scene rather than exploring the slightly further afield Stari Grad.

    This makes Stari Grad less crowded and easier to explore.  

    As well as being the oldest town on the island, Stari Grad is also one of the oldest in Europe, and it has a rich cultural history. Some of the streets and cobbled lanes in Stari Grad’s Old Town date back to 384 BC.

    Stari Grad is home to two world heritage sites, and for the insta-inclined, the picture-perfect ancient Skor square is a must-visit location.  

    Amazing town of Hvar harbor aerial view, Dalmatia, croatia

    4. Pag

    If you’ve always fancied flying into space and taking your next vacation on the moon, then Pag could be a great alternative.

    People visit Pag for its lunar-like landscapes, which feature vast expanses of barren rock, but the island also has so much more to offer.  

    This large island is the second-longest in the Adriatic and boasts a mix of sand and pebble beaches perfect for sunbathers. Head into Old Town Pag to explore the ruins of a Franciscan monastery, and be sure to sample Pag’s largest and most famous export: its delicious cheese.  

    If you’re looking to party and are prepared to brave the crowds, then head to Zrce Beach in the town of Novalja. Home to the most popular nightlife on the island, Zrce Beach has an Ibiza-like atmosphere, but this can be easily avoided by staying elsewhere on this picturesque and eclectic island.  

    Pag in croatia

    5. Silba

    Spending time on Silba is like stepping back in time. Not only is the island car-free, but it also doesn’t have a hotel, meaning that the only way to stay here is to rent an apartment or holiday let.

    This means that the island never attracts big crowds, and has a laid-back, bohemian feel.  

    Silba is best known for its bright, hot summer days and for boasting an impressive 2570 hours of sunshine every year. But when you’re done with lounging in the sun and paddling in the sea, you’ll also find plenty to explore in Silba.  

    Climb the winding staircase to the top of the Tower of Love, which was built in 1872 as a symbol of love and loyalty.

    Explore small fishing villages and unspoiled harbors. There are also a range of excellent diving and snorkeling spots on the southwestern coast that are well worth exploring.  

    boats in harbor in croatia

    6. Zagreb

    Finally, whilst Zagreb is Croatia’s capital city, it doesn’t receive the same number of visitors as the more popular cities of Split and Dubrovnik.

    Zagreb is popular during the winter months, thanks to its Christmas markets and festivities; however, visitor numbers dwindle in the summer.

    But this large city boasts much to attract tourists year-round. Here you’ll find shops, museums, parks and restaurants at every turn.  

    Notable attractions include Zagreb Cathedral with its twin spires and St Marks Church, which was constructed in the 13th century.

    Boasting more museums per square foot than any other city in the world, Zagreb is known as a city of museums, so taking time to explore as many of these are possible is a great way to spend the day in this fascinating city.  

    Aerial View Of Old Town Zagreb Depicting The Lower And Upper Towns, Zagreb Cathedral, And The Ban Jelacic Square On A Sunny Day, Zagreb, Capital City Of Croatia

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  • 4 Beautiful European Beach Destinations To Avoid The Summer Crowds

    4 Beautiful European Beach Destinations To Avoid The Summer Crowds

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    Now that Europe has dropped all travel restrictions and tourists are back en masse, you may be wondering which European countries are your best bet for a crowd-free, relaxing summer vacation.

    Sveti Stefan In Montenegro, Balkan Peninsula, On The Adriatic Section Of The Mediterranean Coast, South Eastern Europe

    Italy, Greece, Spain, Croatia and the like are simply riddled with Instagrammable spots, and while there is nothing we love more than the scent of orange blossoms in the air, and the Mediterranean waves crashing against an ancient port, we know the gathering can get a bit much, particularly between the months of June and August.

    Thankfully, these 4 postcard-perfect European beach destinations have not yet been spoiled by mass tourism, and other than being less crowded, their beauty will simply take your breath away:

    The Montenegrin Dalmatian Coast

    Many travelers mistakenly associate Dalmatia with Croatia exclusively. That’s understandable, seeing that the Croatian littoral encompasses this region almost entirely, but a little-known fact often ignored by visitors is that a second country is (partly) included in this sub-region.

    Montenegro is a Balkan country sharing deep ties with Croatia, both due to its northernmost coastal province of Kotor being part of Dalmatia and their common Yugoslav heritage — they formed, at one point, a single country.

    Unlike its sister nation, however, Montenegro is still fighting for relevance as a Mediterranean power.

    Aerial View Of The Town Of Budva, In Montenegro, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

    It has the same pebbly beaches and crystal-clear waters but far fewer tourists, and an up-and-coming resort scene that is yet to strip the neighboring Dalmatian towns of their authenticity.

    History enthusiasts will want to take their time wandering the cobblestone alleyways of Kotor, and beach bums might want to hit those sandy crescents in Budva early in the morning before anyone else.

    Looking for further inspo? Here are 7 reasons why you should add Montenegro to your bucket list this year.

    blue water and town at spila beach montenegro

    The Albanian Riviera

    Yet another pearl of the Adriatic, Albania has an extensive coastline dotted with deserted swimming spots and picturesque villages where time has stood still for centuries.

    Due to the lack of a coastal airport, and limited connectivity to the rest of Europe, the Albanian Riviera remains largely unspoiled by tourism.

    Sarande, the main city on the Albanian Riviera, offers easy access to hidden beaches where frequented mostly by locals, particularly along the road to Butrint.

    Our favorite, Ksamil, is an undisturbed patch of rocky sand bounded by the translucent waters of the Mediterranean, lined with a few restaurants and guesthouses.

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    beach at himare albania

    Recently, Travel Off Path named Albania the best European country for long-term stays.

    Ohrid, Macedonia

    If there’s one thing we learned after swapping Tulum, in Mexico, for the lesser-known Lake Bacalar, it is that the summer holidays do not necessarily need to be synonymous with oceanside drives.

    Lakeside beaches can be just as incredible and enjoyable, if not better.

    Ohrid, in the Balkan country of North Macedonia, is one of those massively underrated inland sunny getaways.

    Straddling the turquoise-blue Lake Ohrid, it is an ancient city dating back at least two millennia, originally established as a Greek colony.

    A Small Boat On A Crystal-Clear Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

    The city, only 42,000 people-strong, is still quaint without the usual Instagram hordes, though it is definitely postcard material, what with its Ottoman-era houses, ruined Greek theater, and iconic medieval church perched on a crag facing the lake.

    Beyond its numerous museums and centuries-old churches, Ohrid has both sandy and pebbly beaches on the edge of the lake, where residents go for refreshing dips in summer or hang around with friends.

    On the lake itself, tourist boats are a common sight, as well as sailboats.

    Narbonne, France

    Narbonne is a French city in the Occitanie region, located further inland than other destinations on this list but still only 15 km away from the sea, and a historical Mediterranean port whose relevance dates back to the Roman period.

    While a majority of tourists will flock to the French Riviera, it is only a small section of the country’s vast Mediterranean coast, which extends for a total of 600 kilometers.

    Unfinished Cathedral In Narbonne, A City In Occitanie, Southwestern France, On The Mediterranean Coast

    The provinces closer to the Italian border tend to see visitor numbers quadruple over summer, especially closer to the Italian border, where Nice, St. Tropez, Menton, and Antibes are located, but out West, approaching Spain, the atmosphere is much more relaxed.

    Despite its cultural wealth, being home to numerous Roman-era landmarks and an unfinished yet impressive medieval cathedral, and the long, sandy plage lining the Mediterranean Sea, Narbonne is yet to be discovered by the foreign populace.

    Wooden Lifeguard On A Sandy Beach In Narbonne, Occitanie Region Of France, On The Mediterranean Sea

    Of the 8.8 million nights spent by tourists in the city in 2019, 69% of those were French citizens.

    If you’re looking to discover France off the beaten path this summer, Narbonne is one of your best bets.

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  • These Are The U.S. National Parks To Visit This Year If You’re Looking To Avoid Crowds 

    These Are The U.S. National Parks To Visit This Year If You’re Looking To Avoid Crowds 

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    U.S. National Parks have been getting some much-deserved attention in recent years, partly thanks to them providing some safe respite from travel bans and lockdowns during the pandemic. 

    Thanks to this and to a post-pandemic boom, we are learning more and more about the many sites that make up America’s National Park system, and with that comes new opportunities to explore some of the lesser-known places.

    man alone at national park with mountain

    With around 424 National Parks in total, Americans (and visitors from around the globe) are spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding which one(s) to visit.

    While some of them are hugely popular, there are many that do not report a lot of traffic.

    Due to being off the beaten path, or too remote, or possibly just not well known about, these National Parks can be your secret paradise this year.

    seaplane landing at Katmai National Park Preserve, Alaska

    While there are many ‘low attendance’ parks in Alaska and offshore, such as Samoa and The Virgin Islands, let’s look at the ones in the continental U.S. that are more easily accessible for a visit.

    The Least Visited National Parks Within The Continental U.S. Are:

    Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

    With just over 25 thousand visitors in 2022, this national park located in Lake Superior offers those who visit some seriously peaceful exploring.

    This rugged archipelago is reachable by seaplane or a few ferry services from the mainland.

    Open from mid-April to the end of October, this national park is comprised of over 400 islands, though the main one, Isle Royale, is likely where you will spend most of your time.

    With a low visitation rate, 165 trails, and 36 campgrounds, Isle Royale National Park never seems to feel busy, even during the peak months. 

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    lake and rocks in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

    North Cascades National Park, Washington

    Despite being only three hours away from Seattle, North Cascades National Park doesn’t see a huge number of visitors.

    In 2022 it only welcomed around 20 thousand people into its gates, and those who made the trip were rewarded with stunning vistas, amazing hiking, and wildlife in abundance across its nearly 700 thousand acres.

    You can go deep off road or stay closer to the trails, and those who are not into hiking can enjoy some seriously scenic drives as well.

    The park itself is open year-round, but the conditions are completely up to the elements. So while a winter visit is possible, make sure to stay on top of weather and road information.

    blue lake and mountains in North Cascades National Park, Washington

    Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota 

    Located in northern Minnesota and sharing a border with Canada, this National Park offers you the chance to see the northern lights if you are lucky.

    Voyageurs National Park is connected by four large lakes and numerous smaller ones, and 84,000 of its 218,055 acres are made up of water.

    As you can imagine, boating is a big pastime here, although personal watercraft are not allowed, meaning the silence of the area can better be maintained.

    Swimming is a nice way to cool off after some strenuous hikes, and of course, summer is the best time for that.

    This National Park is open year-round and has no entrance fee (unless camping overnight), and autumn is considered the best time to visit for peak foliage times.

    In the winter, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sledding are all favorite pastimes. 

    northern lights seen in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

    Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

    As one of the many underrated places to visit in Florida, this stunning National Park is quite unique. Home to the impressive Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park is comprised of many small islands, although most of its 100 square miles are made up of turquoise blue open water.

    As this National Park is only reachable by boat or seaplane, it’s not too surprising that it doesn’t report a very high attendance. In fact, in 2022, only 78,488 visitors were recorded.

    So if you are looking to tick another National Park off your checklist and you are interested in coral, bird, and marine life, then this one is for you.

    Open year-round and only a little over two hours on a ferry from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is doable on a day trip, although an overnight offers more time to experience this special place. 

    water and beach at Dry Tortugas National Park

    Congaree National Park, South Carolina

    What do 204,522 people have in common? They all visited the lesser-known Congaree National Park in 2022.

    Found in central South Carolina, only 18 miles from the state capital of Columbia, this park keeps intact the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.

    With the waters of the Congaree and the Wateree rivers meeting here, most of this park becomes a flood plane filled with biodiversity and life.

    The trees growing here are some of the tallest in the eastern U.S. and combine to make one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world.

    Easily explored in one or two days, and open year-round, this park makes the perfect weekend trip for those looking to get into nature but don’t want to use their whole vacation to do so.

    trail and woods at Congaree National Park, South Carolina

    Great Basin National Park, Nevada

    From the summit of Wheeler Peak to the depths of the Lehman caves and everything in between, there is something for everyone at Great Basin National Park.

    Located In east-central Nevada, near the border of Utah, this park is very remote and covers around 77,000 acres of land.

    The park’s rolling foothills, basins, and mountain ranges are all nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada mountains, making this area quite rugged.

    Visited by only a little over 142 thousand people last year, you are likely to have these hot desert valleys, cool caves, and mountain peaks nearly to yourself.

    Just remember to make all the required plans and take the necessary safety precautions out in this wild terrain. 

    clear lake and mountains at great basin national park, nevada

    Pinnacles National Park, California

    Formed from volcanoes that erupted around 23 million years ago, Pinnacles National Park is now a unique landscape of rock formations, caves, and woodlands.

    This park offers ample hiking opportunities, from easy-going family hikes to hardcore climbing. 

    Providing a chance for northern Californians to escape the city and get out into the natural landscape, this park is better enjoyed in the cooler months.

    Although it’s one of the 15 least visited parks in the country, it can (and often does) get busy on weekends, so it’s best to plan a trip accordingly.

    In 2022 Pinnacles National Park saw about 275 thousand visitors, and many say about two days is enough to really take in the beauty of this unique California landscape. 

    trees hills and water at Pinnacles National Park, California

    Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

    Where can you see the world’s largest Permian fossil reed, historic sites, various different ecosystems, as well as Texas’s four highest points all in one?

    This would be the lesser-known United States National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

    While only visited by around 220 thousand people last year, this park offers over 80 miles of trails to hike and take in the beauty amongst some peace and quiet.

    One special experience here is to hike the Salt Basin Dunes that reach up over 100 feet from the floor of the desert.

    This west Texas hidden secret is best reached from El Paso, although Carlsbad, New Mexico is also under an hour away.

    Summer months here get HOT, and hiking in this wilderness is not recommended.

    The best times to visit Guadalupe are winter and spring to really be able to take in the vast and varied landscape of this area. 

    rock formation and sun at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

    The Least Visited U.S. National Parks Found Outside of The Continental U.S. Are:

    • National Park of American Samoa
    • Virgin Islands National Park
    • Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska
    • Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
    • Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska
    • Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska
    • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska
    beach and green landscape in National Park of American Samoa

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  • These Mexican Caribbean Spots Are Cheaper And Have Fewer Crowds This Season

    These Mexican Caribbean Spots Are Cheaper And Have Fewer Crowds This Season

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    The Mexican Caribbean, especially the ever-busy Cancun and Tulum, are not known for being particularly affordable or even relaxing to visit, depending on accommodation choice, with the intense party scene and thousands of beachgoers fighting for the perfect spot in the sun. Luckily, there are a handful of unfrequented resort towns that are not only less crowded but significantly cheaper for tourists.

    Aerial View Of A Couple Embracing On A Pier In Lake Bacalar, Southern Quintana Roo, Mexico

    Now that Americans are no longer subject to strict health checks flying abroad, a record number of them are heading south of the border for their yearly break, smashing records established in the pre-crisis years. The renewed demand is certainly great news for tourism, but on the flip side, both mass tourism and prices have increased in the state of Quintana Roo as a result.

    Interestingly, despite its extensive Caribbean coast, tourists usually restrict their movements to Northern Quintana Roo — where Cancun is — only:

    This Is Why Southern Quintana Roo Is Ignored By Foreigners

    Male Tourist Swimming In Lake Bacalar, Southern Quintana Roo, Mexico

    The Mayan Riviera is the top destination for U.S. citizens vacationing in Mexico. Home to sandy beaches, teal-colored waters, ancient pyramids, and a well-developed resort zone, it is an absolute leader in booking trends within the country, registering up to 30 million guests throughout 2022, more than entire countries would have in the same period.

    Because of its status as a well-connected hub and arguably the best-equipped airport in the region, Cancun International has the highest percentage of arrivals: it offers links not only to the city of Cancun itself but numerous other smaller towns in the vicinity, such as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and the insular municipality of Isla Mujeres.

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    Bottom View of Passenger Airplane Flying Over Tropical Palm Trees.

    In short, it is the main gateway to Mexico’s most popular coastal zone, but it doesn’t serve the entire state of Quintana Roo (QR). In fact, the regional capital of Chetumal is located 236 miles south, and while it does have an international airport, it is not nearly as well connected as the Northern competitor:

    The only scheduled flights currently depart from Mexico City.

    The South Is Harder To Reach, But It’s A Lot More Quaint

    A View Of A Teal Colored Caribbean Sea Framed By Tropical Trees In An Unspecified Location

    Southern Quintana Roo is undoubtedly more challenging to reach, but it also means it sees only a small fraction of Cancun’s overwhelming passenger numbers, in spite of being incredibly more affordable and straddling the same pristine coastline. If you’re looking to escape the North’s crowds and widespread scamming, this is the place to be.

    3 Of The Top Destinations To Visit In Southern Quintana Roo

    Chetumal, The Small State Capital

    A medium-sized city, Chetumal is known for its lively social scene, modern waterfront, and Chetumal Bay, a sanctuary where local wildlife can be spotted, such as crocodiles and turtles. Additionally, it sits at the crossroads of Central and North America, where several well-preserved Mayan ruins that have not yet been swarmed by disrespectful tourists are hidden.

    Aerial View Of Chetumal, Capital Of The State Of Quintana Roo, Mexico

    Bacalar, A Beautiful Lakeside Town

    Within driving distance of Chetumal, you will find the charming, quintessentially Mexican town of Bacalar. It’s not on the coast, but it sits on the shores of a crystal-clear lake lined with family-owned restaurants and cute boutique hotels with a jungle aesthetic. Here, smelly seaweed and overpriced taxis are definitely not a concern.

    Young Woman Pictured In Lake Bacalar, Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico

    Mahahual, An Authentic Mexican Coastal Village

    Similarly, the fishing village of Mahahual, home to a limited number of resorts and development sites, is rising to prominence as a more quaint, cleaner alternative to Tulum. It lacks the latter’s cacophony, Instagram hordes, and potholes, with white, soft sandy beaches that will feel actually soothing to lounge by.

    A Pier Stretching Out Onto The Sea In Mahahual, A Caribbean Beach In Southern Quintana Roo, Mexico

    All three will be a lot quieter and potentially much cheaper to travel to this season. The proof is in the numbers: according to Bertha Medina Núñez de Cáceres, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Services in Central and Southern Quintana Roo, occupancy in Chetumal, Bacalar and Mahahual are expected to reach between 30% to 35% only.

    Demand For Southern Quintana Roo Has Dropped, And It’s Great News For Budget Travelers

    Happy Friends Jumping In The Sea During A Beach Holiday

    Calling it the ‘January drop’, Cáceres notes destinations in the southern part of the state could see a 60% drop in occupancy compared to December when 90% of rooms were booked. In other words, only 1,700 rooms across 270 hotels in Othón P. Blanco and Bacalar are expecting guests in early winter, as Americans and Canadians flock to Cancun instead.

    Due to a decrease in demand, tourists can expect more competitive prices vacationing South of Cancun, as Chetumal and neighboring destinations compete with the more powerful North. Hotel Casa Hormiga, one of the select five-star offers in Lake Bacalar, has room rates as low as USD $1406 for a week.

    Aerial View Of Bacalar And Lake Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico

    In comparison, all-inclusives in Tulum average USD $3000 or above for the same period. There may be fewer flight options to Southern QR, but it is certainly a fair trade-off when you’re saving thousands of dollars on accommodation and other daily expenses while experiencing a truly authentic side of Mexico.

    Once the new Maya Train launches this December, the South’s connectivity problem will be a thing of the past: this scenic railway journey will link all the main tourist sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, which Quintana Roo is a part of, including the southernmost tip of the state. For now, visitors have only three options to get there:

    Panoramic View Of Chetumal From A Balcony In A Central Apartment, Southern Quintana Roo, Mexico
    • Flying (connecting through Mexico City)
    • Taking public transport (shuttles and inter-municipal buses)
    • Arranging private transfers

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  • 5 European Cities To Visit This Winter For Low Crowds, Low Prices, And Mild Weather

    5 European Cities To Visit This Winter For Low Crowds, Low Prices, And Mild Weather

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    Summer has historically been the peak travel season in Europe.

    But if you want to avoid huge crowds, pay lower prices, and enjoy milder weather, winter is a great time to visit many of Europe’s most popular destinations.

    Young beautiful fashionable woman tourist in  white hat and scarf on background of  famous Arc de Triomphe or Triumphal arch. Winter or autumn in Europe. Paris, France.

    While it’s true that some summer destinations in Europe close for the winter (think smaller beach towns and island destinations), larger cities are busy throughout the year.

    On this list, you’ll find cities that are perfect for visiting in the winter.

    There’s nothing too cold on this list (so that rules out Scandinavian cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm, or Northern European cities like London and Amsterdam), but rather, you’ll find cities with milder winter temperatures, low crowds, and low prices.

    Attractive,Asian,Woman,With,Travel,Baggage,Have,Using,Smartphone,Booking, booking trip to Europe

    1. Athens, Greece

    Athens is an incredible destination to visit during the winter. You’ll be able to tour the ruins of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, and more with little to no crowds.

    During the summer, temperatures soar into the nineties, but during the winter, you can enjoy mild temperatures of 50° to 60° F.

    One thing to note is that while winter is a great time to visit Athens, it’s not a good time to visit the Greek islands.

    Popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini are ghost towns during the winter, and the majority of shops, restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels will be closed for the season.

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    Parthenon temple on a bright day. Acropolis in Athens, Greece, Europe

    2. Rome, Italy

    Similar to Athens, Rome is a bustling and vivacious city in Europe, even during the winter months.

    The city can become uncomfortably hot and crowded during the summer. But during the winter, it’s cool and comfortable, and you can enjoy the sights of the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more without having to push your way through the crowds.

    However, the nearby Amalfi Coast, with its famous destinations like Positano and Capri, does close for the season. If you want to visit the Amalfi Coast from Rome, it’s better to go in late spring, summer, or early fall.

    Christmas tree in Piazza di Spagna at night, Rome, Italy, EUrope

    3. Seville, Spain

    Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, but it’s also one of the hottest. Located in Andalusia in southern Spain, Seville’s temperatures soar to 110° F in the summer!

    It gets so swelteringly hot in Seville that most locals don’t even go outside during the daylight hours of summer.

    But during the winter, you can enjoy mild temperatures in the fifties and sixties. This makes exploring Seville much more pleasant. You can also take day trips to other towns in southern Spain, like Cadiz and Córdoba from Seville.

    Spain Square (Plaza de Espana), Seville, Spain, built on 1928, it is one example of the Regionalism Architecture mixing Renaissance and Moorish styles.

    4. Paris, France

    Out of all the cities on this list, Paris does experience the coldest winter season, with average temperatures in the forties.

    But it doesn’t get bitterly cold, and it rarely snows in Paris. In recent years, Paris has been experiencing extreme heat waves during summer, not to mention it’s the most expensive and most crowded time of year to visit.

    During the winter (with the exception of the busy Christmas season), you can enjoy low crowds in Paris and have attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles almost to yourself.

    traveler wearing a red buret holding a camera and looking at the Eiffel Tower in Paris

    5. Venice, Italy

    Venice is a destination that has suffered from extreme overtourism in the last decade.

    This small Italian city made up of canals and bridges feels like something from a bygone era. It’s a wonder a city like Venice still exists. The magic of the city is lost during the summer, when it’s hot, humid, and filled to the brim with tourists.

    But winter is an incredible time of year to visit Venice. The only time you can expect high crowds and high prices is during the Venice Carnival festival that occurs in February.

    Gondola going through canal in Venice, Italy

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  • Large Crowds Return To Las Vegas As Casinos Post Near Record Numbers

    Large Crowds Return To Las Vegas As Casinos Post Near Record Numbers

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    Large crowds of tourists have returned to Las Vegas – with the city’s casinos reporting near record numbers.

    With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic having had a major impact on the tourism industry worldwide, Las Vegas was no exception to this – with the 26th-most populous city in the U.S. having seen its world-renowned ‘Las Vegas’ strip resembling nothing but a ghost town for months on end.

    Aerial shot of Las Vegas

    And, there is no doubt that the city suffered greatly from the ongoing lockdowns and business closures that were brought about due to the Covid-19 pandemic – with financial losses having been recorded in the billions and billions of dollars.

    However, fast forward to this present time – and the contrast could not be any greater. 

    Tourists return to Las Vegas in large numbers

    The Number Of Visitors To Las Vegas Has Increased By Nearly 50%

    Compared to the last year, March, 2021, the number of visitors to Las Vegas increased by a near 50% in the month just gone – with more than 3.3 million visitors having made their way to the Nevada state city – according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

    And, there is no doubt as to why so many people are now heading to Vegas – with the city offering so much for visitors.

    Las Vegas strip at night

    Whether you’re looking to do something adventurous or ‘out of the box’, wanting to party the night away at some of the world’s most famous bars and nightclubs – or looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy – Las Vegas really does have it all. 

    The city even offers some more ‘unusual’ attractions for those looking for something a little ‘different’ from the usual mainstream entertainment.

    Fremont East District in Las Vegas

    Casinos In Vegas Are Reporting Near Record Numbers

    With the huge numbers of tourists – once again stepping foot onto the city’s iconic Las Vegas Strip – the city’s casinos are undoubtedly reaping the rewards, with the state of Nevada’s Gaming Control Board reporting a near 27% increase on takings compared to March last year (2021).

    Las Vegas Sign

    In fact, the $1.35 billion that the state’s casinos took last month was just short of the record amount of revenue recorded in a single month – which currently stands at $1.36 billion (July 2021).

    Visitors To Vegas Can Expect Long Queues And Waiting Times

    Aerial shot of a busy Las Vegas at night time

    Of Course, with large numbers of tourists comes long queues – and therefore for those looking to head to Vegas right now will have to prepare themselves for potentially significant waiting times upon their arrival into the city, as well as throughout the duration of their stay.

    The city’s airport – Harry Reid International Airport – recently reported near pre-pandemic figures, with close to 4.3 million visitors having passed through its doors last month (March).

    View of hotels in Las Vegas

    Hotels in the city, which is infamously known as ‘Sin City’, are also experiencing an influx in bookings – with more than 80% of rooms reportedly being occupied.

    And, with U.S. airlines continuing to add new direct Vegas-bound flights to their schedules, we are likely to see these numbers grow – especially with the city once again playing host to some of the world’s best and biggest shows and conventions on the planet.

    Cirque Du Soleil performance

    One Of The City’s Major Casino Resorts Has Recently Reopened 

    Just last month we reported that one of the most famous casino resorts in Las Vegas – The Palms Casino Resort – was due to reopen its doors from the end of last month (27 April).

    Woman with mask gambling in  casino

    Although not located on the Las Vegas strip itself, there is no doubt that the resort will attract a huge number of visitors – with many wanting to check out its newly renovated property, which comes following new ownership and a $600 million refurbishment. 

    Read more:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    A Massive Casino Resort is Reopening its Doors in Las Vegas

    Top 6 Hotels On The Las Vegas Strip

    Spirit Announces Three New Nonstop Flights To Las Vegas Starting At $65

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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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