TripAdvisor released its fall travel index this week and the verdict is in: Mexico ranks #1 for U.S. travelers this fall, with Cancun being the top destination of choice for 2022.
While Cancun broke records for its number of international arrivals over the pandemic, things don’t seem to be slowing down for Cancun. With pristine beaches, plenty of all-inclusive getaway opportunities, festivals galore, great food, a huge party scene, and so much more, tourists can’t seem to get enough of Cancun.
In this post, we’ll go through what to look forward to when visiting Cancun for the fall season 2022.
Fall Is The Ideal Season To Travel To Cancun
Visiting Cancun during the fall months (October-December) means that you’ll have escaped the intense heat (well, more intense than usual) of the summer months. Instead, you’ll be treated with evening breezes and mild morning temperatures.
Just be aware that October is typically the tail end of the hurricane season which is most of late August and September, so you might encounter some bits of rain or stormy weather.
October Marks The End Of ‘Sargassum Season’
One of the biggest environmental issues in the Caribbean over the past years is the record-breaking amounts of sargassum that have been appearing on beaches in Cancun and the nearby regions.
If you visit Cancun this fall, you won’t have to worry about it as much. The high season for sargassum (typically) begins in March and lasts until September, so you can hope for sargassum-free beaches on your October trip to Cancun.
According to some of the most extensive research on the subject, sargassum appears to be the result of lots of factors including warming water temperatures and over-nutrified water from a growing human nitrogen footprint.
All-Inclusives That Will Make You Swoon
Cancun’s majestic ‘Hotel Zone’ and the surrounding area is where you can find some of the most top notch beaches in the world. And, it’s also where you can pamper yourself at some of Mexico’s most stylish all-inclusive resorts.
Large hotel chains have been adding new all-inclusive hotels to the area over the past few years, so luxury tourists definitely won’t be starved for choice when it comes to picking their perfect getaway.
Some all-inclusive resorts to look forward to in Cancun include the Hotel Riu Palace Kukulkan and the Hotel Riu Latino, which are scheduled to open to guests this fall. These resorts are located on some of the most exclusive areas of Cancun, so you’ll only be sharing these breathtaking private beach views with the other hotel guests.
Festivals Are Coming To Cancun For Fall 2022
The much-anticipated annual Just for Laughs Escapes festival in Cancun is set for the first week of November, so get ready for three full days of comedy in paradise.
Festival goers can chill out poolside watching one of the daytime performances, see some of their favorite comics at the Kukulkan Theater, and dance all night long at the after hours beach parties. Headliners and performers include Craig Robinson, Pete Holmes, Rachel Feinstein, Annie Lederman, and Jeff Ross.
What To Do In The Riviera Maya: Day Trips Galore
Cancun is the beginning of the beautiful Mayan Riviera.
From the hotel zone in Cancun, to Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and beyond, this strip of land is not only filled with powdery, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, but plenty of day trips and excursion opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.
If you’re looking for some excursions, start with the MUSA, an underwater conservation museum where you can snorkel or dive amongst sculptures and some local marine life. Or, you can opt for a glass-bottom boat tour of the area!
The MUSA is just one of the many tours you can book during your Cancun trip. There’s also cenotes, historical ruins from the Mayan kingdom, scuba diving in Cozumel, and boat tours to gorgeous islands nearby.
With so much to see and do, what’s not to love about Cancun?
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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
Digital nomadism may be the number one trend worldwide right now, but it’s clear some destinations are far outpacing others when it comes to adapting to this reality, simply by loosening their once-strict immigration curbs, or even launching new visas for the category. Now, the numbers are in, and this one tiny country has ticked all the boxes, being crowned the best for long solo travel in the post Covid world.
Taking into account the extent of its natural wonders, which include natural reserves and pristine Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, and a strong economy that’s among some of the fastest growing in the Americas, it’s no wonder it came out ahead of other traditional nomad havens, including Indonesia and Thailand.
At last, Costa Rica is getting the recognition it deserves:
A Gem Of Central America Growing In Popularity By The Minute
Out of 14 destinations listed by Elite Daily, Costa Rica came out ahead as the best place to travel ‘for a month alone’. In order to reach a consensus, the team talked to experts at Next Vacay, Expedia and Hotels.com, who shared some of the tendencies in travel they’ve been noticing in recent months, and looked at other relevant data that pointed to Costa Rica as the definitive winner.
According to Elite Daily, these renowned platforms agreed on naming Costa Rica the world leader in long-term solo traveling. In fact, Expedia claims it beats all the others to the number one spot as it is ‘equal parts nature-filled serenity and one-of-a-kind adventures‘. Again, these remarks highlight Costa Rica’s strong appeal among nature seekers.
Other recent reports by the booking platform Hostelworld.com seem to support Expedia’s statements, after it concluded that 74 per cent of solo travelers listed ‘natural world experiences’ as their top priority going abroad following Covid. Unsurprisingly, a growing number of them is feeling a magnetic pull to Costa Rica, and Central America on an extent, due to the wild nature found there.
What Makes Costa Rica So Attractive To Solo Travelers?
More specifically, Costa Rica fills in all of the following criteria:
Good public transportation
Accessibility*
Safety
Variety of things to do once inside the country
*It is an incredibly well-connected hub, boasting flight connections to numerous destinations in the United States, Canada, and across the entire Caribbean
Additionally, living in Costa Rica is much more affordable than living in the States or Europe. Americans can comfortably spend a whole month living on a $2,000 budget, or even a much-lower $1,500, depending on overall spending and accommodation choices. Seeing that rent in Costa Rica tends to be roughly 71% lower as well, we can definitely see why solo travelers are flocking into this Central American gem.
What Are Some Of The Country’s Highlights?
Although it is fairly small compared to the likes of the U.S. and Mexico, Costa Rica has 27 national parks within its national territory, besides being home to roughly five per cent of the world’s entire biodiversity. Yes, it is famous for the extent of its jungles, but cloud forests, dry forests, rainforests, coral reefs and many other wonders also enrich the country’s natural treasures.
The lively capital, San Jose, rivals fellow urban centers in the region, such as Panama’s Panama City and and Nicaragua’s Managua, offering visitors a mix of Spanish colonial architecture and modern 21st century metropolis. More importantly, it is the gateway to Costa Rica, being served by the San Jose International Airport, and linked by bus to numerous destinations across the country.
Other attractions include:
Arenal, an active volcano famous for its hot springs
Mistico Arenal, a scenic path featuring the landmark suspended bridges
Manuel Antonio National Park, a Pacific reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, an inland park with countless hiking trails and outdoor activities
Fortune Waterfall, an iconic cascade 70 meters tall
Marino Ballena National Park, a popular site for whale watching
One Downside: Somewhat Slower Internet Compared To The U.S.
On the downside, at least for nomads looking to stay a while longer, Costa Rica has a less-than-impressive fixed broadband speed, with Speedtest ranking it at number 63 globally, at 53.67 Mbps. It still fares better than its strongest competitors, like Mexico (number 77) and Belize (number 86), but it’s well behind the U.S. (number 8) and Canada (number 22).
That’s not to say internet is unbearably slow in Costa Rica. It is, after all, in the same league as the wider Caribbean, and even faster than Mexico’s. So don’t worry, you’ll get your job done as decent, reliable Wi-Fi is available in a majority of settings – except when you’re out there braving the jungle. In that case, we recommend you buy a local SIM.
The Top 14 Destinations For Long-Term Travel According To Elite Daily
Other destinations that have featured on Elite Daily’s list include:
Out of the above countries, only Costa Rica, Belize, Bali and Thailand have digital nomad visa agreements in place, allowing long-term travelers, including Americans, to live and work freely in the country as long as their source of income originates from abroad and certain financial requirements are met. Others like Portugal and Hungary have announced plans to launch their own in the near future.
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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
Now that the world has started to move on from Covid, and more countries have reopened following two years of harsh rules, the first tourism statistics are in with some surprising results. The trendiest destination for 2022 is not Cancun, and definitely not former tourism leader Paris: Montego Bay, Jamaica, has claimed the top spot.
During the pandemic, most of the world came to a standstill as a majority of national governments resorted to lockdowns and travel curbs in a bid to slow down the virus. Consequently, the tourism industry was hit the hardest, namely in overly conservative places like Canada, where arrival figures have hit historical lows.
Interestingly, some countries are recovering much faster than others, and we may have found something in common between them:
Montego Bay Leads The Summer Travel Recovery Ranking
According to the Outlook Report published by the World Travel Market (WTM), Jamaica’s Montego Bay is the top city in terms of post-Covid recovery. The study, conducted by ForwardKeys, a company specializing in travel data, noted that the hub has experienced a ‘positive growth’ of 23 per cent this summer, comprising the third yearly quarter, more than any other on the list.
This means Jamaica’s once-secondary destination, after the metropolitan Kingston, is now perhaps the most sought-after vacation spot in the world, out of the twenty cities that appeared on this specific ranking. The study’s conclusion should come as no surprise to some, seeing that, as soon as late 2021, Jamaica already outpaced other countries in arrival figures.
At the time, more specifically in November, demand for Jamaica stood at 38 per cent of 2019 levels – still far lower than the pre-pandemic years, but much higher than the global average of 24 per cent. When this data came out, the Caribbean country still required incoming tourists to present a negative test for entry.
As of April 14, however, all mandates barring the entry of tourists have been fully scrapped, including that of testing, suggesting this new growth may be attributed to the lack of health regulations. While the latest report does not provide a precise comparison, it does assert that Montego Bay is one of the ‘most resilient’ cities in the post-pandemic world, based on tourist numbers for summer 2022, and the pre-Covid 2019.
Why Is Montego Bay So Popular Among Tourists?
So now that Jamaica is open, and it has cemented its status as a freedom haven, why are so many travelers flocking into Montego Bay specifically, and not Kingston or Ocho Rios? Part of that may be attributed to a unique mix of busy city life and a picturesque seaside, making it a place where visitors can get the best of both worlds.
A majority of Montego Bay-bound vacationers are heading to all-inclusive resorts as well, and there are plenty of them to choose from, such as Sandals Montego Bay, Secrets St. James, and the phenomenal Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa. In sum, the city simply has one of the best developed hospitality sectors in all of the Caribbean.
The Top 5 Trendiest Destinations For 2022
What about the other top destinations for 2022, though? The 3 best performing cities are:
Montego Bay, Jamaica with a 23% growth
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with 19%
Cancun, Mexico with 14%
Other cities in the top 5 include Cairo, the capital of Egypt, and Dehli, the number one city in India. The one thing all of these destinations, no matter how far from each other, have in common? They have removed all, or most of their Covid curbs, including mandatory vaccination for travel, pre-departure testing and quarantine.
With the exception of India, the one country on this list that continues to enforce stricter entry rules for non-vaccinated tourists, the remaining four have already reinstated their 2019 normal entry guidelines. This is further indication that travelers are opting for destinations where they will not face bureaucratic hurdles upon landing.
Jamaica Travel Is Booming Again
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett sounded extremely pleased with the news, as he noted Jamaica is ‘bouncing forward’ following the ‘devastating impact’ of Covid. In the Minister’s words, Jamaica is one of the most ‘tourism dependent’ economies in the world, making the positive tourism trend very important for the island.
Airlines have been carefully watching Jamaica’s booming travel market, also: just last month, Frontier added its fifth flight to the country and flash flight deals keep popping up, despite the ongoing aviation crisis. Perhaps unfortunately for some, the trendy Montego Bay is bound to be jampacked, especially now that the U.S. dropped its own testing rule for returning Americans.
If you’re planning on visiting soon, you may want to secure those bookings in time before it sells out.
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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
Mediterranean islands are commonly associated with beach getaways, translucent, teal waters and breathtaking sunsets, and they usually compete with each other for the title of leading summer destination every year. There’s just too many to name, and we’re sure you’ve heard all about Ibiza, Santorini, Mallorca, Malta and the like…
But what about the Eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus? Cyprus is gaining popularity fast and travelers may want to get there soon before everyone else has the exact same idea.
Move over, Italy
We can already see our British and European readers rolling their eyes at this, with Cyprus having been a major vacay hotspot for years. We totally get it, it is hardly Albania or one of those unheard-of, severely underrated countries most people can’t even pinpoint on a map. It is, in fact, one of Europe’s favorite summer islands.
Unfortunately, from our side of the pond, Cyprus is still not nearly as successful as Greece or Spain: the U.S. did not rank anywhere in the top ten of tourist arrivals into this country back in 2019, with fewer Americans visiting than Romanians, Poles, Ukrainians – and even the blacklisted Russians.
After two years of Covid and strict border rules, that have only recently been dropped completely, we will take a wild guess here and presume U.S. arrivals have dropped even lower on the list. While this may be attributed to a lack of nonstop flights between the two countries, this has never discouraged Americans from traveling to faraway locations before.
Thailand has been a major Asian destination for years, and direct flights have only returned recently after 10 years of pause; not to mention the Pacific islands, where connecting flights are the norm. No matter how far you go, you will find an American snoozing at the beach, beer cup hanging from the classic neck strap, in places as remote as Fiji.
So why have most Americans still not heard of Cyprus, one might wonder? On this article, you will find out why, as a U.S. citizen, you may be one of the few in the Western World still sleeping on this Mediterranean jewel – and of course, why it should definitely be as big a summer destination as other Southern European countries:
Where is Cyprus to begin with?
That’s a tricky question, and there is no simple answer. Let’s start with a few facts: first, Cyprus is a Mediterranean island, and over the ten millennia it has been inhabited it has received a large influx of immigration from neighboring kingdoms and Empires, such as Greeks, Persians, Turks, Armenians and whatnot.
It is a member of the European Union, even though it is located 226 miles from the nearest Greek island. Regardless of the distance, Greece is still Cyprus’ nearest fellow EU member. Comparatively, Turkey’s southern coast is only 50 miles away from the Northern Cypriot shore, and other closer neighbors include Lebanon, Syria and Israel.
While it is indisputably culturally European, Cyprus may be geographically placed in either Europe or Western Asia, due to its remote location in the East Mediterranean, only a stone’s throw away from several Middle Eastern nations. But then again, the line that divides the continents is blurry and has changed over time.
Today, despite surviving numerous invasions and being subject to the rule of every single superpower you can name, Cyprus has remained loyal to its Ancient Greek origins. The vast majority of Cypriots speak, and some even identify purely as Greek, meaning the island is Greek in (nearly) all aspects – despite being its own country.
Some takeaways from this:
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island, and a country
Although it is technically in Western Asia, it is a definitely a European nation and an EU member*
Its official currency is the Euro
1.2 million people live there
The vast majority of islanders speak Greek, although some speak Turkish (more on that later)
*Think the Canary Islands, that are an integral part of Spain and have been for centuries, but are geographically located in Africa
Ok, but what exactly are Americans missing out on?
1. First of all, Cyprus is warmer than most of Europe all-year round
Cyprus is hot. And we mean sizzling hot. In the words of the country’s own tourism board, it has an ‘intense’ Mediterranean climate. The long dry summer extends from mid-May to mid-October, when temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in many coastal cities. Luckily, the sea is never too far away for a refreshing dip.
Temperatures can easily reach triple digits as early as late April, though, and winters remain pretty mild, to say the least: the coldest it usually gets on the coast is an average 16 degrees. We’re of course not taking into account the island’s towering mountains, where snow falls profusely and skiing activities are widely promoted over winter.
The point is: Cyprus is the ultimate paradise island. For those who grew up facing the harsh Northeastern American winter, even January in Cyprus will feel like a summer break. It enjoys between 300 to 340 sunny days per year, and the sea remains considerably warmer than most other Mediterranean hubs, even in the low season.
If you would still rather experience that classic Mediterranean summer, make sure you bring enough sunscreen to avoid burns, limit your time at the beach, especially during peak sun hours, and drink plenty of water, maybe double the amount you would normally at home. Trust us, the Cypriot heat is no joke.
2. 402 miles of coastline with turquoise waters
Unlike most Southern European countries that are only partially on the Mediterranean – Spain, France, Croatia, Turkey and others – Cyprus is fully surrounded by it. More precisely, it has 402 miles of either sandy beaches or scenic coastal rides where the turquoise glow of the ocean dominates the landscape for miles on end.
This means Cyprus is one of the few European nations with just enough beaches to counter overtourism. Don’t get us wrong, we are definitely not saying it does not get crowded. Many of the most popular beaches in the country like Ayia Napa and Protaras are absolutely packed in summer, but if you’re looking for quieter spots, it won’t be too hard to find them.
With so many beaches and other bathing areas inland available, including calm water rivers and waterfalls, you will be surprised at how many unblemished natural sites Cyprus still hides. Some of the best ones are situated on the island’s Northern coast, and they do not receive half as many tourists as the South.
We will explain why that is further below, but many of the seaside towns and sandy beaches on Cyprus’ Karpas Peninsula, that one crooked finger stretching out on the map that gives the island its distinct geography, are virtually unspoiled by mass tourism. The same cannot be said about other Medi competitors like Italy.
Before item No. 3, the shortest History lesson possible
So why is the North not as popular among tourists? In sum, Cyprus has been a divided island from 1974 onward, when an attempt to unite the island with Greece was violently hampered by a Turkish invasion. Due to its proximity to Turkey – the Cypriot coast can be seen from the Turkish mainland with the naked eye – the North was seized by the latter’s troops.
Prior to that, both of Cyprus’ Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking populations lived somewhat peacefully in mixed communities. After the invasion, Turkish Cypriots were forced to move to the North, and the Greeks living in the North had to flee South. Fast forward a few decades, and a second de facto country now claims 36% of the island: the TRNC.
TRNC is an acronym for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a ‘country’ whose independence has only been recognized by – tee-hee – Turkey! The entire international community, including the United States, considers the North to be an integral part of the Republic of Cyprus (the South) that has been under an illegal occupation since the division took place.
For that reason, Turkish-speaking Cyprus has not enjoyed the same economic boom the Greek side has, maintaining official diplomatic relations only with Turkey and being under harsh economic sanctions. Even though visitors are welcome, and the Northern Cypriot administration strongly encourages tourism, very few actually venture far North.
Off path travel, anyone?
3. Here you will find the last divided capital in the world
Curiously, the UN-established Buffer Zone separating the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus from the self-proclaimed TRNC runs along the heart of Nicosia, the island’s capital, dividing it between both states. Greek Cypriots claim the entire city – at the same time, Turkish Cypriots consider Northern Nicosia their capital.
Due to this complex situation, checkpoints have been installed in the city, including on the main street, effectively functioning like international borders. Because of that, in order to cross from the Greek part into the Turkish, you will need to present your passport, even though the Cypriot Government considers the TRNC a part of Cyprus.
Much like Berlin in the 1980s, prior to fall of the wall, Nicosia is a city plagued by division. Sad as it might be, and we are sure this is not easy for Cypriots raised there, it is the barbed wire-protected streets, the political murals lining up the Buffer Zone, and the constant clash between the Greek and Turkish worlds that make it such a unique, fascinating city break.
You could be having a sumptuous Turkish breakfast in the morning on the Northern side, as you listen to the Quran being recited out of the nearest minaret, and then cross to the South in the afternoon to try some traditional Greek pastries and visit museums where you’ll learn about the island’s Greek origins. Quite literally, Nicosia offers the best of both worlds.
4. Wine tours. Yes, in Cyprus.
Those coming to Europe with their hearts set on a winery tour will hardly ever think of Cyprus as their first pick. After all, how could Cyprus even compete when France has Bordeaux, Champagne and the Loire Valley, right? That’s when Cyprus becomes massively underestimated – even among Europeans that have been visiting for years.
It has the ideal climate for growing grapes, and Cypriot wine is among the best quality wine in the whole of Europe, ranking 50th in the world in terms of total production. A majority of visitors may want to head straight to the nearest beach straight out of the plane, but little do they know Cyprus has a whole wine industry that is yet to be discovered.
An off the path thing to do in the country – we love those – is going wine tasting in any of the inland villages, particularly those on the slopes of Troodos Mountains. This range sits on the exact center of the island and features the highest Cypriot peak: the aptly titled Mount Olympus, evocative of the Ancient Greek mythology.
As for the wine produced here… It is the drink of the gods. Among some of the best wine-producing villages, we have Lofou, where the busy seaside life is replaced by mountainside town views, with cobblestone streets and a more laid-back feel. Other mandatory stops include the picturesque Omodos and Pera Pedi, only a few miles north of the city of Limassol.
5. Cyprus is much more affordable than other Medi vacations
Minimum wages are a strong indication of a country’s purchase power and how expensive things are. In Spain, the minimum wage is roughly $1,068.84, beaten by France’s whopping $1,566.62, and both of these countries expect tourists to provide proof of at least $101 in spending money per day for the duration of their stay.
Even though Cyprus does not have a minimum wage, the average Cypriot makes about $940 a month, proving living costs are far less exorbitant than France’s, where the bare minimum a worker is paid is still 60% higher. Naturally, these figures have a direct influence on the price of basic items (meals, a bottle of still water, sunblock, insect repellent etc).
We won’t lie to you: Cyprus is not an ultra cheap summer destination. It is surely no obscure Balkan country where tourists can go by with $`100 dollars a whole week, or the budget-friendly Central America, that has even overtaken Europe lately in total hostel bookings. But it is cheaper than the Western Mediterranean.
Paphos, a city on the country’s West Coast, has been named this year the fourth most affordable summer destination in Europe, where tourists can live comfortably off of $72.78 on average per day. Needless to say, Paphos beats old summer favorites like Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Spain’s Costa del Sol and France’s Côte d’Azur in terms of affordability.
6. Oh, and Cyprus is not that far away
There may be no direct flight connections between the U.S./Canada and Cyprus, but North Americans can easily reach this summer dreamland via short stopovers in a number of European countries. An Austrian Airlines flight leaving from JFK, final destination Larnaca (Cyprus), with an air-side transit in Vienna only takes about 12 hours.
In addition to Austrian Airlines, other European carriers like AirSerbia (Serbia), Swiss Airlines (Switzerland), and Lufthansa (Germany) offer non-direct links to Cyprus, with transfers usually lasting less than two hours. But hey, even if you have a long layover ahead, this is not necessarily a bad thing, at least on certain routes.
Plus, Cyprus just needs that much-needed U.S. tourism boost. Prior to HBO’s Game of Thrones, that introduced Croatia to a wider American public, there were no direct flights between the Balkan country and the States. Now, United has a successful summer route connecting Newark and Dubrovnik. Who knows… Maybe Cyprus will follow suit one day?
Now that you know all about Cyprus, and what makes it a serious contender for the best Mediterranean summer ever, how about booking those tickets right away? Just make sure that you also get insured for flight delays and cancellations: in case you haven’t heard, U.S. travel is in turmoil and we don’t want your dreamy Cyprus trip to turn nightmarish.
One last thing… and this is VERY important
In case this piece of information has already slipped your mind – we forgive you, as the wonders of Cyprus do take precedence over anything else – the island is split in two. To the South, you have the Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus, a UN member. To the North, lies the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which occupies the territory illegally.
The island of Cyprus has three airports, though only two of those are under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. Those are the airports in the cities of Larnaca (Southeast Coast) and Paphos (West Coast), where most international flights arrive. The third airport, Ercan, served the capital of Nicosia until it was split in half.
Now, it is under the control of the TRNC. As a result of an international embargo, all flights to Ercan have a layover in Turkey, the only other UN member that has recognized the TRNC as an independent state. If you are planning on visiting Nicosia on your trip to Cyprus, make a mental note to NEVER book flights through Ercan.
Foreigners arriving in the island via the North will be turned away at the border when attempting to cross into the South afterwards, as the Republic of Cyprus considers any entry into the territory through Ercan, or any of the sea ports in the Turkish-controlled North, to be illegal. Cypriot and European citizens are exempt from this restriction.
If you’re an American, in order to avoid problems, just fly into Larnaca or Paphos instead. There are several shuttle buses, as well as public transport, linking the capital to the Republic’s airports, though Larnaca is the closest hub to Nicosia (33.6 miles away). Oh, and please: do not let this discourage you from visiting the North!
This rule does not go both ways: Americans who land in the South, and then enter the North are allowed back in the South any time, without any issues, no matter how many times they cross in one trip. Just remember to always keep your passport on you if you’re visiting the TRNC – or, in the case of Europeans traveling without their passports, a national ID card.
A Quick Recap
Always use Larnaca or Paphos as your point of entry into Cyprus
The Euro is the official currency in the South
The Turkish Lira is the currency in use in the North*
Never enter military, no-go zones without permission
*Euros may be accepted in North Nicosia, but not other cities in the Turkish-controlled North
Main Sights In Cyprus
The Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca, the oldest in all of Cyprus dating back to the 9th century
Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, on the shores of the Larnaca Salt Lake, one of the holiest sites in Islam
Cape Greco for scenic views of the Mediterranean and sea caves
Ayia Napa and Protaras, where some of the clearest waters in the island can be found
Nicosia, the last divided capital city in the world
The Kyrenia medieval castle in Kyrenia/Girne (Northern Cyprus)
The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta (Northern Cyprus)
Varosha, a ghosttown in the North left in ruins in the aftermath of the Turkish Invasion (Northern Cyprus)
Limassol, Cyprus’ second largest and most modern city
Lofou, a traditional inland Cypriot village
Mount Olympus
Nea Paphos, an archaeological site housing the ruins of an ancient Greek city in Paphos
The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
The Akamas National Park
The Adonis Baths
The Blue Lagoon
What Are Cyprus’ Entry Requirements?
Since May 28, 2022, Cyprus has no Covid entry requirements. In other words, Americans can enter the country regardless of vaccination status, without testing and quarantine. Visiting is as simple as it was prior to the pandemic, though other requirements, such as indoor mask wearing once inside the country, may still apply.
Americans (and Canadians) can stay in Cyprus – both the South and the Turkish-occupied North – up to 90 days out of every 180 day period. As the country is not yet a member of Europe’s Schengen Area, any visits to other EU countries, or Schengen-associated states, do not count towards your visa limit in Cyprus.
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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
Now that the pandemic has changed the way we perceived the world, and even our travel behaviors, some unexpected trends are gaining traction. Solo travel is undeniably one of them, with individual bookings leading industry sales as more people feel encouraged to explore new destinations by themselves (and create their own memories).
For years, Europe held the title of ‘Tourism Capital’ of the world, due to its well-developed hostel and backpacking scene, as well as excellent transportation links, which makes country-hopping an easy feat. As the Old Continent reopens, many expected it to reclaim that title after being stuck in a two-year loop of travel restrictions.
Surprisingly, its solo travel hegemony may have been challenged… By the most unlikely of tourist destinations:
Bookings For Solo Trips In Central America Are Soaring
According to new information shared by Hostelword, a booking platform specialized in hostels and affordable stays, the massively underrated Central America has surpassed Europe in hostel bookings for the first time since the company started collecting booking data, all the way back in 1999 when it was founded.
As the experts at Hostelworld confirm, Central America (and Mexico) are rising in popularity in the post-pandemic world, even more so than Europe’s leading tourist destinations like France and Spain. More specifically, Central America bookings are up 40% since 2019, and this can largely be attributed to solo female travelers.
For years, the enigmatic world south of Mexico, and north of South America had been ignored by tourists, particularly young women who had safety concerns regarding travel in the region. More often than not, the US Department of State issues stark travel advisories for Latin American countries, usually citing crime and violence.
As official travel guidance, they should be taken seriously, but we cannot discount the fact that travelers now want to see the world for themselves, and they have grown more and more independent in their own risk assessments. The recent data provides undeniable evidence of that, with some of Central America’s rising stars topping rankings for solo travel – regardless of advisories.
Countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala have all made it to Hostelworld’s latest Top 10 Trending Destinations For Solo Female Travelers list. As suspected, Mexico is a leader in new bookings, with guest numbers up 79 per cent, while Costa Rica trails behind at 60 per cent, and Guatemala rounds the Central American/Mexico top 3 with a 55 per cent increase.
What Makes Central America Such An Appealing Destination For Backpackers?
While these destinations were already incredibly popular prior to 2022, they were not necessarily seen as solo travel hubs, especially due to the lack of a strong hostel culture in the European model. Additionally, connectivity between Central American countries has always been a big barrier – one that Europe managed to overcome ages ago with its successful Schengen Area.
Central America countries may not be as integrated as their European rivals, but recent projects have been announced with the sole purpose of easing obstacles for travel between neighboring nations. This includes new tourism routes across the Mayan World and increased flight frequency between capital cities.
On top of that, the continent’s central strip is incredibly affordable compared to traditional tourist epicenters in Europe: the aforementioned Guatemala has ranked as the least expensive country for solo travelers in Central America, with average daily expenses at USD 39,00 – still 29.68% cheaper than the cheapest city in Spain.
Europe may offer a myriad of options for long-term, solo travelers on a budget, but even then, it can be ridiculously expensive compared to Central America. Seeing that prices are going up further due to the ongoing crisis, and the nearby war in Ukraine, it should come as no surprise that backpackers are looking elsewhere for new life-changing experiences.
Moreover, Europe may have the highest concentration of castles, picturesque Old Towns and History spanning millennia, but it simply cannot beat Central America’s nature. Based on Hostelworld’s March 2022 Solo Travel survey, 74 per cent of solo adventurers said their priority when traveling is ‘looking for nature’ and ‘natural world experiences’.
Indisputably, it is home to some of the world’s most bio-diverse lands, where travelers can find tropical forests, unspoiled Pacific and Caribbean beaches, unique wildlife, and countless scenic hiking trails. Lastly, these countries’ more relaxed visa regimes usually allow for short or longer stays without the bureaucracy associated with lengthy visa applications.
When traveling on a US, Canadian, British or EU passport, backpackers generally do not need visas at all for Central America.
Bottom Line
Solo travel is here to stay, and it seems like the Americas might be the new hotspot for backpackers, finally unseating mighty Europe after years, maybe decades of dominance. Be that as it may, we would like to reiterate solo travel does not come without its risks, particularly at a time when travel disruption is rampant.
If you are going on a solo trip, make sure you get insured for delays and cancellations ahead of flying: some of the best insurance providers, including HeyMondo and Safety Wing, offer pretty affordable (and comprehensive) policies. Lastly, make sure you check all Covid entry requirements that may still be in place at your final destination.
For more solo travel stories like this one, make sure you visit this link.
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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
Following two years of tightening the grip on social freedoms, as a result of Covid, Thailand seems to be pushing for more liberal policies. Soon after allowing bars and clubs in the country to resume operations and announcing an end to some of its most severe pandemic restrictions, the country is now lifting a long-standing ban on cannabis.
Thailand is officially the first destination in Asia to relax the harshest rules on the commercialization of the plant. Though these are exciting news for tourists who are also cannabis lovers, they should take it with a pinch of salt: it may have ceased being illicit across Thailand as of this month, but its recreational use remains outlawed:
Thailand’s Economy To Reach New Highs
On Thursday (June 9) Thailand claimed the title of first country in the whole of Asia to decriminalize cannabis. In an interview with the CNN, Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has also been behind the nation’s anti-Covid strategy, confirmed ‘it is no longer a crime to grow and trade marijuana and hemp products’.
Effectively, Thai businesses are now free to capitalize on the the rising popularity of cannabis as an additive to food and drink. From this week, bars and restaurants in the country will be free to sell cannabis-infused products, so long as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels are equal or below 0.2%.
THC is the main psychoactive component present in cannabis. On top of that, visitors will also be allowed to use the plant for health purposes, such as treating illnesses, including chronic pain. Conversely, he warned both locals and tourists alike against abusing the new relaxed laws, reiterating the recreational use of cannabis is still illegal.
To put it simply, smoking joints is not yet allowed in Thailand – but munching on marijuana brownies sold from licensed shops will not get you into trouble. As Charnvirakul argued, legalizing cannabis production, while still maintaining a ban on recreational usage, has the power to further boost Thailand’s economy.
Dealing another blow to those who might be hoping Thailand will follow in Canada or Holland’s footsteps in further relaxing cannabis regulations, Charnvirakul bluntly said ‘no’ to joints. According to the Health Minister, strict laws banning the consumption of cannabis in so-called ‘non-productive ways’ will continue being enforced.
Tourists Are Again Warned Against Smoking Joints In Thailand
Charnvirakul reminded the public, and those visiting Thailand, of the country’s harsh penalties under the Public Health Act. Those found to be using cannabis in an illegal way risk being jailed for three months and fined USD 800.00. Tourists in particular have been alerted not to light joints in public as there will be consequences:
‘If tourists come for medical treatment or come for health-related products then it’s not an issue‘, the Health Minister added, ‘but if you think that you want to come to Thailand just because you heard that cannabis or marijuana is legal, or come to Thailand to smoke joints freely, that’s wrong‘. Charnvirakul concluded by telling these tourists not to come.
Despite the big caveat, the move is still being lauded by the international community. After all, Asia as a whole, and especially Southeast Asia, a subgroup Thailand belongs to, has some of the most severe drug laws in the world. By lifting the ban, Thai authorities now expect the value of the local cannabis industry to exceed 2 billion dollars.
In fact, the Ministry of Agriculture is planning to distribute 1 million free cannabis plants to households in Thailand, clearly encouraging people to join in the venture. Businesses and entrepreneurs will still need to register with authorities in order to obtain a permit to farm the plant and sell cannabis-derived goods.
Can Digital Nomads Living In Thailand Also Grow Cannabis?
In recent years, Thailand has proposed a new digital nomad visa allowing foreigners working remotely to remain in the country for a longer period of time. We do not know, a this point, whether foreigners residing in Thailand under any specific visa categories, including as Digital Nomads, will be allowed to grow the plant.
Seeing that Digital Nomad Visas require applicants to have either a majority, or most of their income originating from foreign sources, we can guess those living in Thailand under this permit will not be allowed to grow the plant and start their own Thailand-based marijuana business. When planning to visit Thailand, tourists are advised to:
Buy products from licensed venues
Strictly adhere to laws regulation the recreational use of cannabis
If living in Thailand and looking to build a business, seek a permit in advance
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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
Cancun is unarguably the go-to sunny getaway for millions of Americans. A city like no other, it offers visitors both the vibrant atmosphere of other equally-busy global hubs, and more secluded beaches (if you know where to look for them).
On the other hand, Cancun’s prestige as an ideal summer destination has come under threat lately due to reports of increased violence, even in traditionally-safe tourist areas, travel scams, and even the landfall of an unprecedented amount of seaweed.
If you’re thinking of flying to Cancun soon, and have been following closely these highly-publicized developments, you might be questioning whether this massively popular beach hotspot is indeed an ideal pick. After all, is Cancun still a safe destination to visit for 2022?
There is a lot to unpack here, but in short, yes.
You might be wondering how exactly we are able to still deem it a safe city even after taking into account recent reports, which we have covered extensively ourselves, and the doubts raised by many other travel news websites about security in Cancun. Here is why:
On Travel Scams
By being an already sought-after destination that is now experiencing overwhelmingly high demand, it hardly comes as a surprise that ghost travel agencies, a few ill-intentioned cab drivers, and other scammers have intensified their operations in Cancun and the wider Riviera Maya in recent months.
Even though we cannot overlook the fact that 250 scams occur around Mexico per hour, and a large number of those are in Cancun, tourists also risk being victims of fraudulent taxis and/or tour operators virtually anywhere in the world. Although Cancun is no exception, this is far from being a Cancun-exclusive issue.
Foreigners have historically faced scamming when traveling throughout the Caribbean, with Belize and Jamaica being two notorious examples. Even the most popular cities in Europe are not exempt from their fair share of travel scams. In other words, international travel is never risk-free, especially when you can’t speak the language of the country you’re visiting and could, therefore, be taken advantage of.
Still, there are some precautions tourists can take to be better prepared when flying abroad and in fear of being scammed, such as:
Pre-book an airport transfer before landing in Cancun
Once in Mexico, only use authorized taxis, either by calling or requesting a driver through an official app
Never get into a cab with no visible taximeter or before agreeing on a price for the route
On Violence:
We have all heard of Cancun’s recent run-ins with the law. Gang shootings, robberies, and murders linked to organized crime in the city have taken the news by storm. For that reason, we do not blame more cautious tourists for having reconsidered Cancun as their summer destination.
Having said that, we would like to pose a question: which big city does not battle, one way or another, higher crime levels compared to less-dense areas? Cancun is not a single beach or a resort town: it is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean.
While violent incidents have undeniably increased, leading the United States to revise its Travel Advisories, Cancun is bound to record more incidents than other smaller cities in Quintana Roo due to its position as an international hub.
Still, when assessing travel risks and choosing their next destination, tourists should always research the violence levels in their dream vacation destination, but should also compare them to the place they currently live.
It is worth noting the city of New York, which offers of the leading city breaks in North America, is also facing a violence surge this year, with a marked increase in both shootings and homicide. The same goes for Los Angeles, where violent crimes were up by 60% in 2021 according to LAPD data.
Even though several cities across North America, both in the U.S. and Mexico, struggle with crime, it’s Cancun that has been particularly pinpointed as violence-ridden lately.
However, as the U.S. State Department itself affirms, shootings are not directed at tourists, and are instead a result of quarrels between criminal groups, even though bystanders can still be injured.
Despite these risks, that is the exception rather than the rule.
Mexico Takes Tourist Safety Very, Very Seriously
Lately, Mexico has been investing heavily in security, deploying none less than the National Guard to keep tourists safe in Cancun, and vowing to clamp down on corrupt entities extorting tourists in the wider Quintana Roo. This is a country seeking to establish itself as a safe haven in the post-pandemic world, as it has been known to take security concerns very seriously.
As Dario Flota Ocampo, Director of the Quintana Roo tourism Board stated, ‘Quintana Roo remains a safe destination to visit (…) it continues to operate normally and remains one of the world’s leading destinations’.
On top of that, the U.S. does not advise tourists against travel to Cancun (or the Quintana Roo state) citing violent crime, though they should ‘maintain a high level of situation awareness’ and avoid risky areas. Like anywhere else, visitors are urged to remain in tourist zones and be cautious when walking after dark.
While we do encourage all our readers to follow this guidance while on vacation, we can assure you Cancun isn’t any more dangerous than several other destinations in Mexico, including Mexico City, Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
In fact, the U.S. considers it much safer than particular Mexican states, such as Sinaloa or Colima.
Bottomline
Throughout the pandemic, Cancun has maintained its status as one of the freer, and perhaps most tourist-friendly places on Earth, earning a king-of-tourism, type nickname. Even during the woeful months of December and January, when Omicron was rampant and restrictions were the norm, it remained open and recorded a record number of visitors.
This means that, while numerous competitors across the Caribbean imposed strict entry requirements, Cancun went the opposite way completely and permitted all to enter restriction-free, irrespective of vaccination status. On top of that, Cancun Airport has not seen a single relatively quieter month since Mexico decided to keep its borders open.
Due to this ambitious move, it has been at the forefront of the minds of many travelers – and on the radar of the mainstream media – for months on end. To put it simply, Cancun is being closely watched by all, which means any local incidents will be quickly picked up on, and subsequently scrutinized.
Yes, shootings and robberies occur, and yes, they have become more common in tourist zones as gang activity worsens, but the risk of being caught in a crossfire, or experiencing any abuse at all, is still within acceptable levels both by Mexican, U.S., and other international standards.
Unlike in other parts of Mexico, where the U.S. government issued travel restrictions for U.S. government employees and has been adamant Americans should refrain from visiting, Quintana Roo and Cancun have not been specifically targeted.
This corroborates our findings that Cancun remains a safe destination with no particularly exacerbated safety or health risks when compared to others.
At the same time, we would like to remind travelers this does not mean Cancun is crime-free. When visiting, you should bear in mind all the information we have given you on here and beware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas where robberies and pickpocketing could occur, similarly to any large 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
If you are looking for a ‘safe’ – but lively and popular – beach destination to travel to in Mexico, then Los Cabos might be your place – with the resort city having one of the lowest homicide rates in the country.
Where Is Los Cabos?
Los Cabos is situated in the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico – with the municipality hosting two of the nation’s popular tourist hotspots, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Both of these towns offer a variety of beach resorts, championship golf courses, fascinating colonial buildings – as well as a sufficient number of bars, restaurants and nightlife options that are sure to satisfy the needs of all visitors heading to Los Cabos.
Why Is Los Cabos Considered To Be One Of The Safest Tourist Destinations In Mexico?
Well, when looking at the statistics – with regards to violent crime in the country of Mexico – Baja California Sur has indeed witnessed the lowest number of intentional homicides in the first couple of months of this year (2022) compared to other parts of the nation.
Not only have there been less cases of murder in the state – situated in Northwest Mexico – 60% of the overall number of intentional homicide cases in BCS have already been resolved by the state’s police department.
And, according to Daniel de la Rosa Anaya – who heads up the State Attorney General’s Office – the number of intentional homicides that have taken place in BCS is at its lowest point for a number of years.
This is somewhat of a contrast compared to Cancun – which has recently been named as one of the most dangerous cities in the world – having made international headlines for its significantly high murder rate, following multiple tourist murders in the city.
However, in the last month, the American Ambassador for Mexico – Kenneth Lee Salazar – has described the highly popular tourist city of Cancun as being extremely ‘safe’ for tourists.
How To Stay Safe When Traveling In Los Cabos
As with anywhere that you travel to in the world, you should always ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and that you maintain high levels of common sense at all times – which, when combined, can go a long way to ensuring your safety and that you are able to enjoy your travels to the fullest.
However, there are a number of ‘steps’ that – as a tourist – you should consider when traveling in and around Los Cabos. This includes:
traveling with a group – as the majority of crimes usually take place when people are alone
always being aware of your surroundings – especially at night when crime is more likely to take place
planning your route to – and from – where you are staying, and looking to take a taxi or Uber when traveling during the evening hours
not ‘flashing the cash’ – and being aware of who is around you when withdrawing money from an ATM.
And, of course you should always show respect to your surroundings – including being aware of the precautionary measures that you need to take when moving around, as well as the right ways to behave and communicate with locals in the area.
Los Cabos Offers So Much For Tourists
Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or wanting to party the night away, Los Cabos literally caters to the needs of all types of traveler.
Boasting some of the most serene waters and white sand beaches – as well as some of the best hotels in the world – Los Cabos truly is a great choice for those looking to have a memorable vacation.
And, with Covid-19 cases in the state continuing to drop – which has resulted in the U.S. State Department recently lowering the traveling advisory for both Cabo and Mexico – there is no surprise that Los Cabos is preparing itself for an influx of tourists during the upcoming Easter holidays.
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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
