With the end of summer approaching, the fall travel planning season has begun.
And right now, domestic travel within the United States is surprisingly affordable this fall. Throughout the summer, American travelers saw skyrocketing prices on flights to Europe.
Meanwhile, the price of domestic airfare actually dropped this year, meaning there are still affordable U.S. destinations you can fly to this fall.
Going into the fall travel season, the average cost of a domestic flight within the U.S. is only $249 round-trip, according to data from Hopper. This is a drop of 11% compared to the same time last year, showing that domestic travel is at its cheapest right now.
It’s also possible to enjoy popular destinations in the United States without the extreme crowds Europe has been experiencing and have a great vacation closer to home.
Here are some of the top U.S. destinations for travelers this fall, based on affordable airfare, hotels, and rental cars.
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando remains one of the most popular destinations in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why.
Millions of visitors flock to Orlando every year to visit Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando. But there’s more to Orlando than just theme parks. It’s also a vibrant city with great dining, entertainment, and culture.
According to Hopper, traveling to Orlando is also very affordable. The average cost of a round-trip flight to Orlando is only $213 while the average hotel cost is a cheap $123 per night. Rental cars are priced at only $27 a day on average, making this a great destination for an affordable fall trip.
Another great fall destination is Seattle, Washington. This Pacific Northwest city is full of things to do, from visiting the iconic Pike Place Market and the Space Needle to taking a ferry to one of the quaint nearby islands like Bainbridge.
Nature lovers will enjoy Seattle’s proximity to several national parks: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park are all within 2.5 hours of Seattle by car.
The average cost of a round-trip flight to Seattle is $357 and the average nightly hotel cost is $246. Rental cars are also more affordable right now, with prices down as much as 35% compared to 2022.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
Fall is a great time to visit Las Vegas to avoid the scorching hot summer temperatures but to still enjoy warm and sunny weather.
The average price for a round-trip flight to Las Vegas is $264 while hotels are averaging $155 per night.
If you want to explore further afield, some great day trips from Las Vegas include Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park. The average cost of a rental car in Las Vegas is $34 per day.
4. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is the perfect destination to discover this fall.
Although famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, the city is also beautiful during the fall as the leaves change. Visitors can enjoy touring historic monuments and important buildings (it’s possible to schedule free tours of the White House, the Library of Congress, and more) and visiting some of the best museums in the country.
Flights to Washington, D.C. average $311 round-trip, and the average cost of a hotel is $200 per night.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Another great city break destination in the United States is Chicago.
Chicago was named the best big city in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler, beating out other top contenders like New York and Los Angeles. There are so many things to do in the Windy City, including world-class museums, restaurants, activities, and entertainment.
The average round-trip flight to Chicago is $269 and the average nightly hotel cost is $276. Early fall is a great time to visit Chicago for weather that is cooler but still pleasant to walk around in.
Solo travel is a trend that has been around for as long as traveling itself, yet it’s currently growing in popularity among travelers of all ages and backgrounds.
More women are taking solo trips, as are younger travelers, older travelers, and people from all walks of life who are embracing the trend of traveling alone.
Speaking of trending, one destination that has been exploding in popularity recently is Mexico’s vibrant and sprawling capital.
What was once an overlooked city, stopped at only to transfer to any of Mexico’s numerous other great vacation options, has now become a favorite destination in its own right.
Mexico City is a great choice for solo travelers for many reasons, from affordability, and endless activities, to a large expat population, and there has never been a better time to explore this city on your own.
Here Are 7 Reasons Why Mexico City Is One Of The Top Destinations For Solo Travelers:
1. Location Location Location
Like any major city, there are nice areas to stick to as a tourist, and there are areas that you would not and should not venture into on your own.
Luckily, Mexico City’s tourist and expat neighborhoods are easily within reach of each other and offer endless eating and drinking options and great accommodation at every price point.
The most popular tourist areas to stay in are Roma Norte and Roma Sur, Centro Historico, Zona Rosa, and Condesa, each offering a unique vibe and safe and welcoming environment.
The metro in Mexico City is surprisingly clean, efficient, and safe for the most part.
While sticking to the main stations during the daytime is the best idea, jumping on the cheap and convenient metro is a great way to get across town without having to deal with the city’s infamous traffic jams.
For most travelers though, Uber will be the best way to get around town. Cheap, easy, and safe, Uber in Mexico City has made visitors’ experiences much more seamless, allowing you to comfortably visit more places alone with ease.
There is so much to see, do, taste, drink, buy, etc., in Mexico City; it’s literally impossible to cover it all in one trip.
Many of the city’s top tourist sites are quite close to each other and therefore walkable; the Zócalo, Ruins of Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and much more all lie easily near to each other.
Grab a cab and head to the world-famous National Museum of Anthropology or to the colorful and cool Colonia del Carmen neighborhood of Coyoacán to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Or you can get out of town and take a day trip to the epic ruins of Teotihuacán or perhaps enjoy a ride on the colorful canal boats at Xochimilco.
4. Endless Group Tours
With tours for everything from an evening at Lucha Libre to exploring the vibrant local food markets and rooftop bars, if you are in the market to meet up with others and make new friends joining a tour is a surefire way to do this.
From mezcal and mole tastings to painting classes, street art tours, and anything else you can think of, it’s likely that there is something to book for this, and you are more than guaranteed to make friends while doing it.
For being such a large cosmopolitan capital city, Mexico City is surprisingly affordable. From transportation to accommodation, and not to mention the street food, you can easily visit here and stick to a budget.
While tours and entrance tickets to attractions will add up, you can save money by eating at the countless food stalls, and you are pretty much guaranteed to have some of the best food of your life as well.
If it looks like your street has no food stalls, just wait till late afternoon and check again, you might be surprised to see it transformed into endless pop-ups, most offering a meal for under two dollars.
While sticking to the tourist areas might not seem the best way to meet actual local people of Mexico City, the friendly faces that run the tacos carts, the shops, and everyone else that you encounter will likely welcome you with a smile.
You could also take a more authentic off-the-beaten-path tour, opening your eyes to some more under-explored areas of the city.
While doing something like this on your own might not really be advised, when on a tour, it becomes safe, not to mention a surefire way to interact with the real-life people of the area going about their daily lives.
7. A Multicultural Melting Pot
You will see people from all walks of life going about their daily business in Mexico City, some local, and many who have moved here from other countries.
This is a city full of expats who live alongside the locals, and a diverse and multicultural population means that you won’t stick out as a visitor, and being a solo traveler won’t mean everyone is looking at you as an outsider.
There is nothing worse than everyone staring at you as you try to enjoy your solo meal in peace, and solo dining is considered quite normal in a busy city like this.
Is it the cheap cost of living, the magnificent tropical views, or living a life of luxury on a budget that attracts digital nomads to Southeast Asia?
No matter the reason, digital nomads are more than happy to call places like Indonesia and Thailand their temporary home.
Who doesn’t want to end their work day by exploring lush green forests and admiring ancient momentums and temples?
While Bali may have shown remote workers the beauty of Asia, it is not the continent’s only gem. And with over-tourism on the rise, it’s ideal to search for alternative places that offer the same luxuries and necessities as popular destinations.
Fortunately, there’s Vietnam. This Asian country, known for its delicious Pho, is slowly becoming a top destination for digital nomads, and here’s why.
Affordable cost of living
One of the most attractive factors of Vietnam is its low cost of living. In major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you can find a suitable apartment for about $250 to $500 a month.
If you’re starting your remote journey, you don’t need a lot of money to live a good life in Vietnam. You can live comfortably on a monthly salary of between $1000-$1500.
The weather
Although Vietnam has a more tropical environment, the temperature and weather can vary depending on the region.
In the north, you are likely to get all four seasons. The further north you go, the cooler it can get. The central area can be hot and dry, with heavy rainfall from September through November.
Depending on the time of year, the south of Vietnam can be dry and hot or warm and wet. Heavy rainfall usually happens in June, July, and August.
Because of the varying weather climates within the regions, it’s easier to find a conducive environment to live in.
Besides laptops and an internet connection, coffee is one of the essential things for digital nomads. Fortunately, Vietnam is one of the largest producers of coffee, so there is a good chance of high-quality brew.
Besides its unique styles of coffee, such as coconut, and egg coffee, Vietnam provides unique elements to its coffee shops.
Suppose you’re a worker who can concentrate in a busy environment. In that case, you’ll enjoy unique contemporary cafes such as La Viet Coffee and Cafe Da Nang. Both places offer unique and calming aesthetics as a backdrop to a bustling cafe.
If you want to mix work and play, check out Rainforest Cafe in downtown Nha Trang, which is built in a treehouse with swings and slides.
The Hive has three locations in Ho Chi Minh. Besides the comfortable working spaces and air-conditioned rooms, the Hive Villa offers a special element. The Villa offers a swimming pool and garden for the perfect balance of work and zen.
Dreamplex
This co-working space has 12 different working rooms to meet the needs of any digital nomad. Its open space design, complimented by greenery, makes it the perfect place to feel rejuvenated and focused. This dreamy co-working space is located in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Enouvo Space
Enouvo Space is the ideal place to work and meet new people. In addition to shared working spaces, there are lounge areas where you can connect with other professionals.
Hotspots for digital nomads in Vietnam
If you’re convinced to try Vietnam, here are some trendy spots to look out for.
There’s something to be said about the Balkan charm that just draws travelers year-round. The friendliness of locals, cheap daily budget, and ease of communication with the locals- it’s no wonder Croatia seems to be on everyone’s travel lists this year.
VisaGuide.World just released their new research, ranking Zagreb as the third-best capital in Europe. The survey included over 1,200 participants from around the world.
When it comes to traveling on a budget, Zagreb outranks most capital cities. Research shows that travelers can easily spend anywhere between €250 and €320 per week here.
As well as the budget-saving perks, Zagreb is also an extremely safe city for both locals and visitors. With low crime rates in the city and political stability, it draws all sorts of travelers each year.
What The Research Shows
We’ve mentioned the budget, and we’ll mention it again! For a week in Zagreb, tourists will only need about $300, depending on lifestyle choices. The city ranked 1.44 in terms of safety score, just below Rome in Italy.
The English proficiency in Zagreb is 637, meaning travelers find it particularly easy to get around and communicate with the locals: always a bonus. Zagreb’s friendliness score ranked at 0.75- exactly the same as London, United Kingdom.
Having recently joined the EU, Croatia’s official currency is now the Euro. The country still remains in a high spot as one of the cheaper destinations in Europe for budget-conscious travelers. Cheap food, affordable beer, and hotel steals: what’s not to love?
For those who have traveled through the Balkans, Croatians are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. Proud of their culture, history, and country, they’re always willing to offer up their knowledge, expertise, and suggestions on the best foods and things to do.
With a high friendliness score, any travelers are bound to feel immediately welcomed in Croatia. Zagreb is a smaller city than most, so it’s also easy to see some of the same people and get to know the area.
The locals LOVE to share local favorites, so be sure to ask their opinions on food and drinks.
Safety
As a main city, Zagreb takes the cake here in terms of safety. With a score of 1.44, the capital is extremely safe for both travelers and locals alike.
As a solo traveler too, it’s also really safe to walk around day and night and feel okay.
The city’s winding alleyways are small, making it easy to stroll for hours and still find your way back. It’s a hub for nomads and those traveling alone, so you’ll feel at ease seeing other travelers around too. I traveled here solo last summer and felt very safe the whole time.
Location
Almost in the middle of the country, Zagreb is an ideal hub for travelers looking to explore other parts of Croatia and Europe.
Hop on a short bus ride to Slovenia for a few days or take a longer ride to Hungary or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the summer months, most locals venture to the coastal parts of Croatia. Venture to Split or Dubrovnik easily from Zagreb and do some Croatian island hopping.
There are multiple plane routes as well around Europe leaving from Zagreb, so it’s the perfect base for backpackers.
There’s no escaping it, South Korea is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers.
South Korean culture has captivated the world, with more and more Americans considering a trip to this Asian nation to experience it for themselves.
With a thriving music and arts scene, a unique cuisine, and a friendly and safe way of life, it’s no wonder that visitor numbers to the country are at their highest levels for a decade.
Here are seven reasons why South Korea is becoming so popular:
It’s The King Of Cool Right Now
South Korean culture has taken the world by storm in recent years, with its unique blend of cool and quirky attracting many admirers.
Successful acts from the K-Pop scene, such as BTS and popular cult TV shows like Squid Game, have captured the imaginations of many.
Many people compare the country to nearby Japan, but South Korea has its own unique culture and a distinct vibe that make it an amazing place to visit.
It’s not all modern trends either; there is plenty of history to soak up, such as the five grand palaces in the capital city of Seoul or the Haeinsa Temple in Gayasan National Park.
A Unique Food Scene
Another of Korea’s successful exports is its cuisine, but the best way to sample the authentic taste is by visiting yourself.
One of the most famous foods is kimchi, which is usually fermented cabbage or other vegetables in a spicy sauce.
It’s very popular and eaten with almost everything and is often served as part of banchan, which is a selection of small side dishes designed to be shared – kind of like Korean tapas.
Other favorites include bibimbap, which is a mixed rice and meat dish with many variations, and bulgogi, which is a grilled beef dish.
A huge effort has been made by the South Korean Tourism Organization to make things super easy for travelers.
It recently relaunched its Visit Korea website in English and several other languages to make planning a trip a smooth process.
The website features an interactive itinerary planner, inspirational blogs, news about events, and a live chat facility.
Traveling Around The Country Is Smooth
Once you have arrived in South Korea, you can take advantage of its excellent internal transport links, including high-speed trains, which you can get great deals on as a tourist via the Korail Pass.
While trains may be the quickest method of transport, the network of express buses can help you reach different parts of the country at a slower pace to take in the sights.
Many of the buses benefit from exclusive bus lanes to help speed up journey times.
Major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu all have efficient subway systems, often with the option to buy an unlimited one or seven-day pass.
It’s Generally A Safe Country
South Korea is widely regarded as a safe country to visit for Americans.
It is ranked among the top 45 safest countries according to the Global Peace Index, and the U.S. Department of State has it ranked as a 1 on its Travel Advisory Levels scale.
The people are known for being generally friendly and helpful.
You Can Always Stay Connected
As the home to many global technology brands, it shouldn’t surprise you that South Korea is well-connected.
It claims to have one of the most expansive Wi-Fi networks in the world, with internet readily available in many public places such as subway stations, malls, and other tourist areas.
This is a great money-saving aspect and useful for digital nomads who work while traveling.
You can also pay for almost everything with a credit card in South Korea, with just a small amount of shops that only accept cash.
It’s A Year-Round Destination
Spring and autumn are generally regarded as the best times to visit South Korea, with mild weather and clear skies.
The summer can be hot and humid but is the perfect time to check out some of Korea’s beaches, such as Haeundae Beach near Busan. Be aware that from the end of June to the end of July is the rainy season, though.
It gets cold in the winter, but it’s still a great time to travel if you head over to the Gangwon-Do region in the east.
Here you’ll find impressive mountain ranges, national parks, and many ski resorts, including Pyeongchang.
Digital nomads have the enviable freedom of working from wherever works for them.
This means that some digital nomads work as they travel from place to place, and others will spend longer periods of time in each country.
The digital nomad lifestyle has grown in popularity since the pandemic, with more people than ever realizing that they only need a laptop and a stable internet connection to work from anywhere. Meaning they can combine work with their passion for travel.
But where are the best places to work as a digital nomad? A new study has analyzed the world’s cities based on their affordability, internet speed, coworking costs, safety, and the fun factor.
This study found that the top 7 destinations for digital nomads right now are:
Bangkok
Shanghai
Bucharest
Hanoi
Tokyo
Krakow
Calgary
Bangkok
Bangkok took the number 1 spot far ahead of the other cities. The main attractions of Bangkok for digital nomads are its affordability and fast internet speed.
Bangkok doesn’t come top of the list for any of the rankings, but it receives unilaterally high scores across the board.
The average cost of a hotel room in Bangkok is just $51 per night, and other expenses are equally low. You can expect to pay just $3 per meal and 86 cents for a journey on the public transport system.
Shanghai
Shanghai took the second spot on the list thanks to its vibrant culture and cuisine and abundance of coworking spaces.
Shanghai is an international hub for business, finance, and research which makes it incredibly attractive to some digital nomads.
The internet speed is slightly higher in Shanghai than in Bangkok, but it’s important to note that the Great Firewall of China may make it difficult to access some of the online tools that you’re used to.
You can expect to pay an average of $89 per night for a hotel room, $6 per meal, and 42 cents for a journey on public transport.
Bucharest
The highest-ranking European city on this list, the capital of Romania, is considered incredibly attractive to digital nomads.
Living and working in Bucharest is easy as the residents of most countries can stay in Romania visa-free for up to 90 days. There is also a dedicated digital nomad visa that allows travelers to stay and work in the country for up to a year.
You can expect to pay an average of $81 per night for a hotel room, $11 per meal, and 67 cents for a journey on public transport.
Hanoi
With the average price of a hotel room in Hanoi sitting at just $41 per night, this is the city with the cheapest accommodation on the list. You will also pay just $2 for a meal and 30 cents for a public transport journey.
This makes Hanoi the most affordable city for digital nomads, with estimated monthly living costs of just under $1,700.
Hanoi is working hard to attract digital nomads right now and is setting itself up to compete with other digital hubs in Southeast Asia, such as Bangkok and Singapore.
Tokyo
Tokyo tops the charts as the digital nomad hub with the most things to do. That is not surprising given the huge size of the city. There are more than 12,600 attractions to enjoy in Tokyo.
Accommodation here is expensive. You can expect to pay an average of $183 per night, which is cheaper only than Dubai on the list of digital nomad destinations.
While there isn’t currently a dedicated digital nomad visa available in Japan, the Japanese government is considering implementing one.
Krakow
Krakow is considered the second-best city in Europe for digital nomads. Accommodation here is slightly more expensive than in Bucharest, but meals are slightly cheaper.
That makes Krakow an affordable hub where digital nomads can live on a relatively low income. Internet speeds are mid-range as standard, but there are plenty of hubs available if you want to work collaboratively or need access to faster internet.
Calgary
Calgary is the city with the fastest average internet speed of all the cities analyzed. Digital nomads can enjoy internet speeds of 322 MB/s here.
Calgary might not be the most affordable city on this list but is ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, and it is also safe with excellent social opportunities.
What’s more, the introduction of the new Canadian digital nomad visa is sure to make it even easier to live and work in Calgary as a digital nomad.
Thanks to its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and friendly faces, Turkey has certainly increased in popularity over the past year or so. People from all over the world want a chance to experience a little Turkish coffee and the country’s vast cultural significance.
Turkey’s ‘Riviera’ has now become a well-known spot for holidaymakers looking for inexpensive beach towns that are just as picturesque as other popular places around Europe.
Turkey is certainly a budget-friendly destination, but prices may start to increase with tourism demand.
With such an explosion of tourism, Istanbul is now the airport in Europe seeing the most foot traffic, with an average of 1,486 flights per day in July.
According to the Daily Sabah, “Antalya Airport serving the Mediterranean resort city saw 1,018 flights per day on average from July 10 through July 16.”
With the masses flooding into the country, it appears even the once lesser-known destinations have certainly become known to most tourists now. While Turkey is getting busier and busier each year, there are still a few hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the country.
Want to explore more lesser-known areas this year? Try these four stunning spots in Turkey instead for untouched beauty, local lifestyle, and a little relaxation.
Kemer
On Turkey’s Southern Mediterranean Coast, Kemer is a resort town known for its lush pine forests and impressive marina. In a bay of crystal-clear waters, this spot is still pretty under-the-radar with beautiful sandy beaches and plenty to see and do.
Aside from beach hopping, explore the gorgeous secluded area of Phaselis. You’ll be in awe as you admire the Ancient Ruins with the mountains as a backdrop.
There’s also a 2,365-meter cable car if you want to appreciate the town from above the clouds.
More well-known but still less so than other places in Turkey, Pamukkale is a town in Western Turkey with beautiful thermal waters flowing calmly down a hillside of white terraces.
As the result of an earthquake, this is certainly an impressive site to witness.
Yes, the waters are a must-do; however, Pamukkale also has an ancient theater and a necropolis for history-buffs to admire. Around 3-4 hours from Izmir, it’s doable if you’re renting a car or want to spend a few days near the area.
Amasra
An enclosed seaport town, Amasra is appreciated for its calming vibes and natural beauty. A bay village lined with multi-colored homes, this spot is definitely for those looking for some stillness in their travels.
Amasra is one of those fairytale towns you have to see to believe. Sat on a cliff-side, the impressive variety of quaint houses are jaw-dropping. The closest small airport here is Zonguldak.
Streets are filled with quirky trinkets that add a little personality to this already beautiful area. With a 9th-century bridge linking the mainland to a tiny island: it’d be a crime not to see it!
Indulge in the easy way of living here at one of the local restaurants or digging your toes in the sand at any of the beaches.
Alacati
A watersports haven, Alacati sits on Turkey’s Çeşme Peninsula (and is even close to a waterpark: ideal in the summer months).
If you’re not looking to dabble in the water, Çeşme Castle is located to the Northwest. If you’re on the hunt for stunning windmills- this is your place.
An eclectic array of stone houses, colorful storefronts, and cobblestone streets make the center an ideal area for wandering aimlessly.
This part of Turkey is best known for its wine-making traditions: so wine lovers, you’re in for a treat.
Island destinations rate high on travelers’ wish lists of places to escape to in the summer, causing overcrowding in popular places like Greece, Spain, Italy, and Mexico.
This has caused tourists a range of issues to contend with, from increased pricing and additional visitor taxation to flight cancellations and travel delays.
While many are prepared to brave the crowds regardless, others are on the hunt for the best underrated island destinations to explore in order to escape the crowds.
HomeToGo, a holiday booking platform, recently conducted a study of underrated island destinations and ranked them based on four main points: traveler demand, standing as a local secret, lack of social media hype, and overall awareness.
The study found that these are the top 5 underrated destinations to visit this summer that most Americans don’t know about:
Wadden Islands
The Wadden Islands, also known as The Frisian Islands, are a string of five islands located in the North of the Netherlands.
When most people think of the Netherlands, they picture historic towns, the canals of Amsterdam, and cultural museums. However, The Wadden Islands are one of the area’s best-kept secrets
They are adored by locals for many reasons: the extensive beaches, unique wildlife, scenic bike routes, and the high number of sunny days for the region.
The Wadden Islands are situated within the largest tidal flats system in the world, and the area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the most popular activities is to go Mud Flat Walking, whereby a guided group goes out at low tide to walk across the seabed and see the local fauna.
Other activities for visitors include: visiting the sand dunes on Texel Island, taking a boat ride to see the seals and beaches of Vlieland Island, going surfing on Ameland Island, wandering the wartime museums on Schiermonnikoog Island, and hiking the nature trails on Terschelling Island.
Summer is undoubtedly the best season to visit The Wadden Islands and partake in all these outdoor activities they have to offer.
Quadra Island
If you haven’t heard of Quadra Island yet, then you’re in for a treat, as this underrated destination is stunning.
Situated off the coast of British Columbia in Canada and 124 mi (200km) north of Vancouver, the island is the largest in the Discovery Island chain.
Quadra is a location of natural beauty and is home to seals, wolves, bald eagles, and whales. Visitors can explore beaches and sheltered coves, hike through forests, kayak along the shores, book a sailing trip, and swim in a number of lakes.
One of the most favored things to do on Quadra Island is to visit Rebecca Spit Provincial Park.
The spit is home to a sandy beach within a sheltered bay and has stunning views of the coastal mountains. It’s the perfect spot for unwinding and beachcombing for seashells.
For those that aren’t the outdoorsy type, there are year-round farmers’ markets to explore, community festivals, cultural exhibits, amazing sunrises and sunsets, a heritage lighthouse, a winery, and an array of local artisan shops.
Another popular place to go on Quadra Island is Herons, a slightly upscale restaurant that overlooks a bay and is attached to an apparently haunted hotel.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a seat on the patio, eat some delicious seafood, and watch the sunset.
Quadra Island is blessed with a temperate climate, stunning landscapes, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect island destination for summer.
Magdalen Islands
The Magdalen Islands are a small archipelago of 8 islands located in Quebec, Canada.
The islands offer some of Canada’s most scenic secrets, from rolling green pastures to red sandstone cliffs, golden dunes, and plenty of sandy beaches.
The area has been steadily growing in popularity with Canadians but is still largely unknown on the international scale.
While the islands may be small, there is much to discover. All but one island are linked by road, and it only takes 90 minutes to drive the entire chain of islands, making it easy to explore all the best spots.
One of the most popular things to do is to climb a ‘butte’, a small grassy hill that offers stunning views of the entire Island chain. The best one is said to be on Entry Island, as it is the highest viewpoint on the islands and allows for 360-degree views.
A second must-do when visiting Magdalen is to get out on the water and partake in a kayak tour along the red sandstone cliffs and natural caves.
If outdoor activities aren’t your cup of tea, you can also visit the historic site of La Grave on Havre Aubert Island. The site is said to be the birthplace of the Islands and contains a collection of old fishing buildings that now house restaurants, boutiques, cafes, galleries, and a theatre.
Of course, a visit to the islands wouldn’t be complete without touring the local artisan food producers, crafts makers, and most importantly, the beaches. Head to Dune du Nord for a long sandy beach and lagoon or to Dune du Sud for its intricate sandstone cliffs and caves to explore at low tide.
This underrated island destination is the perfect summer escape. It’s a place to slow down, enjoy the beauty of nature, and savor some delicious seafood.
Isle of Portland
The Isle of Portland is one of the U.K.’s hidden gems and home to one of Europe’s best and largest beaches: Chesil Beach. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle to unwind.
Located in Dorset County and part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area was granted status for its geology showcasing 185 million years of Earth’s history and numerous prehistoric remains.
Although not technically an island, as it is connected to the mainland by a barrier beach, it offers all the charm of any seaside town. There are dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded coves, picturesque lighthouses, and plenty of history and culture to explore.
One of the best things to do on the Isle of Portland is also free: walking the South West Coastal Path. The hike covers over 392 mi (630 km) of unique coastline, allowing visitors to take in some of the best attractions the area has to offer.
You can stop at Pulpit Rock, an eroded formation, or Church Ope Cove, the perfect spot for swimming and diving to see shipwrecks.
Other local activities include a visit to Portland Castle for its panoramic views, learning about WWII at the Portland D-Day Center and The Verne High Angle Battery, or partaking in a variety of water sports.
Travelers can also visit the famous Portland Stone Quarry, whose limestone rock was used in the construction of well-known buildings like St.Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.
This summer is the perfect time to visit this quaint little town most Americans don’t know about before the U.K. changes its entry rules next year.
Egadi Islands
The Egadi Islands are often touted as Italy’s best-kept secret. Although extremely popular with Italian tourists during the summer, these islands are still largely unknown by outsiders making it one of the few off-path places left in Italy.
Located off the coast of Sicily, Egadi is comprised of three islands: Favignana (the largest and most popular), Levanzo, and Marretimo.
Each rocky island offers the ideal Italian charm, beautiful Mediterranean waters, and laid-back atmosphere you would expect from any Southern European town.
Favignana is a sleepy island that forces visitors to slow down and take a break from the stressors of everyday life. It is home to quiet whitewashed streets, an old tuna factory museum, and numerous swimming spots.
You can visit Bue Marino for its towering rocks and caves or Cala Rossa for its crystal clear waters and protected cove.
On Levanzo island, you can see the famous prehistoric cave paintings at Grotta del Genovese or hike to the top of Marettimo for stunning views. The island has only one small town meaning time there is best spent on a boat or wandering along the shores.
Marettimo is the most remote of the islands and the least inhabited. The name means “sea thyme” due to the numerous thyme bushes that give off a pleasant aroma throughout the island.
Because of this, the best thing to do on this island is to go for a walk, visit the castle of Punta Troia, see the wild beaches, and snorkel the underwater shipwrecks and sea life.
It is always claimed that locals know best, and in the case of this underrated island destination, the Italians really do know best. The Egadi Islands are a destination everyone should be adding to their summer travel plans.
Summer never seems long enough. Before you know it, the days will get shorter, the weather will be colder, and the season of sunshine and freedom will end.
With the end of summer approaching, you may feel anxious about taking one last trip before the fall. But you don’t want to go just anywhere. You want to go somewhere relaxing, beautiful, and not crowded.
While an international trip may sound appealing, many destinations in the U.S. can serve as the perfect summer escape.
The islands of Hawaii, off the coast of Florida, South Carolina, and Oregon, are home to little-known places that can be your end-of-summer getaway.
1. Molokai, Hawaii
Hawaii is littered with tourists this time of year. While that may be true for the big island, Molokai is a small island that is not on the radar for most tourists.
One of the reasons why it’s not a highly visited place is because the people and government of Molokai don’t want it to be. The island has resisted chain hotels, cruise ships, and other large-scale tourism.
While it may seem like they are anti-outsiders, this 38-mile-long island is trying to attract a specific type of visitor.
Instead of the tourists who only want to take photos, the island invites tourists that are curious. People that want to learn about the culture and land they are visiting.
The people of the island want travelers that will be respectful during their visits and mindful of their impact on the island.
If you’re an ideal guest, you’ll enjoy the island’s beauty without the typical problems of tourism, such as overcrowding, traffic, and pollution.
In a landscape mostly made up of cliffs, the island is home to Pāpōhaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s largest white sand beaches.
You can also enjoy the Halawa Valley tour that takes you to Moaula Falls and passes through an ancient Hawaiian village.
2. Edisto Island, South Carolina
While major cities in South Carolina focus on commercial development, Edisto Island is the opposite.
A place of natural beauty and over five miles of beaches, this charming island offers visitors an escape from the big city life.
The island focuses on preserving its family-oriented lifestyle. In addition, there is much support given to local artists and business owners.
On the island, you won’t find brand-name stores. Instead, you’ll find locally owned clothing boutiques, gift shops, and bookstores. You can also visit local crafters at the Bay Creek Arts and Crafts Market.
Edisto Island is a place that can bring you back to simpler times.
3. Tillamook Coast, Oregon
As things start to heat up towards the end of summer, the natural inclination is to head to the water. And one of those places you’ll want to visit is Tillamook Coast in Oregon.
The main attraction is the surf, yet, the coast offers a variety of other water activities. Kayaking, rafting, fishing, crabbing, and clamming are great ways to explore the water without the crowds.
When you’re all cooled off from the water activities, Tillamook has a ton of culture and history to explore. You can visit the Tillamook Air Museum to experience history by viewing blimp hangars from World War II.
One of Tillamook’s biggest highlights is its coastal ride on a historic steam locomotive. On this ride, you’ll get stunning ocean and bay views.
4. Amelia Island, Flordia
Everyone knows the Florida Keys is one of the state’s biggest attractions. Yet, looking past the typical destination, you can find Amelia Island.
With 13 miles of beaches, you won’t have any problem finding a place to pitch your umbrella in the sand. This island is known for its tranquil island vibes.
From May through October, the island is a host to one of the many wonders of nature. Turtles will come to the shore to lay their eggs during these months.
While you’re visiting, you can take part in nest excavation. Once the baby turtles have emerged from their nests and crawled to the ocean, selected volunteers come in when the nests are empty.
Volunteers then excavate the nests for leftover materials, unhatched eggs, and baby turtles who may need help making it to the sea.
This extensive high-speed train project will connect 17 locations that are home to culturally rich towns, Mayan ruin sites, and beautiful beaches.
Undoubtedly this will bring an even larger number of tourists through the region by making them more accessible.
These 6 lesser-known Mexican destinations are set to explode in popularity with the creation of the new Tren Maya route:
Palenque
Palenque is located in Mexico’s southeastern state of Chiapas, one of the least visited states, and is the first stop on the new Tren Maya route.
It’s a somewhat remote place to visit currently as it only has a small airport with few flights, meaning that most people choose to arrive by car or bus. The addition of the train will make the location much more accessible for travelers.
Although the town itself may not be as charming as popular destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, or nearby San Cristóbal de las Casas, there are still many reasons why travelers will want to visit.
When most people think of Palenque, they think of the Mayan ruins of the same name. The Palenque Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once one of the Mayan civilization’s most important cities.
It’s located in a national park offering a stunning jungle landscape filled with howler monkeys and toucans, and if you go early enough, you can often see the temples shrouded in mist.
The cost to enter is only 110 MXN ($6.50 USD) and includes access to the onsite museum, which is less than half of what it costs to visit the popular Chichén Itzá ruins.
Palenque is one of Mexico’s best historical sites offering travelers access to three amazing Mayan ruins, Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak. It is also home to the gorgeous waterfalls of Agua Azul, Misol Ha, and the crystal clear pools at Roberto Barrios, which only costs $30 MXN ($1.50 USD)
Once you finish exploring the town of Palenque, its quaint streets, and local markets, you can take a trip to nearby San Cristobal or hop back on the Tren Maya and head towards its next stop.
Campeche
San Francisco de Campeche, called Campeche for short, is located in the second section of the Tren Maya route. It is known for its colorful colonial architecture, historic center, and nearby Mayan ruins.
The city is the only walled fortress in Mexico and one of its 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
One of the best things about Campeche is that you can explore most of it on foot, and since it’s still relatively underrated, you will be able to find better prices and smaller crowds than other more popular destinations.
While visiting the city, you can wander through the historic center, have a meal on the pedestrian-only street Calle 59, stroll along the malecon (waterfront boardwalk), or visit one of its two fortresses: Fuerte San Miguel and Fuerte San Jose el Alto.
The fortresses are each located on small hills overlooking the city and the ocean, that you will need to take a taxi to get to. They both have a small fee to enter, which provides visitors access to their museums filled with information on how Campeche was built to protect itself from pirate invasions.
Outside of the city, Campeche is also known for its nearby Mayan sites of Calakmul and Edzna.
The latter is less than an hour outside the historic center and is said to be influenced by the family who built Chichen Itzá with its layout copying that of Mexico City’s famous Teotihuacán.
Two historically interesting reasons to visit, and if you need another reason, you can often find yourself wandering the site alone without the crowds of other locations.
Whether you stay within the walled city, adventure out to the ruins, drive to Bécal to see Panama hats being made, or head to the nearby beaches like Sabancuy and Isla Aguada, you will find that Campeche is one of Mexico’s hidden gems.
The locals, or Campechanos, which translates as hearty, kind, and cordial, are exactly that. It’s easy to see how this small city is set to explode in popularity.
Mérida
You may have already heard of Mérida, as it has been steadily growing in popularity over the last several years. It’s known for being one of the safest cities in the world, for its colorful colonial architecture in the historic center, and for its proximity to nature.
The announcement of the new Tren Maya has already spurred an increase in development and intrigue into Mexico’s White City, as it’s affectionately called.
The train station will be located near Mérida’s international airport and will have an electric tram to bring travelers into the new Gran Parque La Plancha. The park is set to contain an artificial lake, areas to relax, repurposed trains with places to eat at, and will connect travelers to the popular culinary row of Calle 47.
Once in the historic center, visitors can stroll along the pretty tree-lined Paseo de Montejo, a two-mile long street filled with cute cafes and restaurants.
On Sunday mornings, the city closes down one side of the street for the Biciruta, an event where you can rent a bicycle for 20 MXN per hour ($1 USD) and ride through the main plaza and into the cobblestone streets of La Ermita.
The historic center is a great place to wander around and take in the beautiful architecture, discover local shops, and find hidden speakeasies and restaurants.
One of the best things about Mérida is that you never know what you might discover behind a building’s façade as they often open into stunning interiors and leafy courtyards.
After exploring all that the city has to offer, travelers can adventure into nature. Within an hour of the city, there are a variety of beautiful beach towns like Sisal, Progresso, and Telchac Puerto.
You can visit flamingos in Celestun, swim in one of the many cenotes in Homún, tour an abandoned hacienda from the old henequen production days, or see an ancient Mayan ruin.
Mérida is a large city with a small-town feel that has much to offer. It comes as no surprise as to why this destination is going to continue to grow in popularity.
Izamal
The final station within the third section of the Tren Maya will be in the unique small town of Izamal, one of Mexico’s Pueblo Magicos.
Located in the state of Yucatán and only an hour and a half by car from Mérida, this town is the perfect stopping point for travelers on their way towards popular Quintana Roo destinations like Cancun or Tulum.
Izamal is famous for historic colonial architecture that is all painted the same color yellow. It’s hard to say for sure why this is the agreed-upon color scheme for the town. However, it is rumored to have been done for the visit of the Pope in the 90s or to honor the Mayan sun god of Kinich Kakmó.
Whatever the reason, these yellow buildings make for the perfect backdrop for photographers and social media enthusiasts. It’s almost impossible to take a bad picture in the adorable town.
Izamal is a safe and authentic Mexican town that can easily be explored in a day. Its main attraction is the Convento de San Antonio Padua containing the second-largest atrium in the world outside of St. Peters.
The other popular thing to do is to walk to the top of the Mayan Ruins of Kinich Kakmó. The entrance is free to the site, and the view from the top is amazing.
After a day of exploring the town and its artisan shops, a trip to Izamal wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a meal at the famous Restaurante Kinich, known for its local Yucatecan cuisine and freshly made corn tortillas.
Visitors can opt to spend the night in a local Airbnb, one of the surrounding haciendas, or continue on toward their next destination.
Valladolid
This small town has a decidedly European vibe to it and is famous for its proximity to Chichén Itzá. Its charm comes from its laid-back atmosphere and traditional colonial architecture.
Valladolid is great for a day trip or a weekend getaway. You can see all of its main attractions in one day. However, there are a lot of interesting destinations nearby as well.
As with any Mexican city, the Plaza Grande is always a must-see for its little shops, restaurants, and nightly cultural shows.
The most popular street in Valladolid is Calzada de los Frailes, or Calle 41A, which is home to some of the best boutiques and hotels, like the famous Coqui Coqui.
At the end of the street sits the convent of San Bernadino of Siena, an impressive church and fortress you are able to explore for only 30 MXN ($1.25 USD).
Valladolid is also a popular spot to explore some cenotes. These freshwater sinkholes or caverns come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are open to the air, some are relatively untouched, and others have been modified greatly for tourist appeal.
The town has its very own cenote that is only 10-minute from its centre. Cenote Suytun is one of the most Instagram famous cenotes, known for its man-made stone ledge and perfectly positioned hole in the cavern ceiling that illuminates it.
Other popular nearby attractions include: Ek Balam, a lesser-known Mayan ruin but easily one of the best sites to visit, and Las Coloradas, which is a small fishing village that has a salt field with pink lakes.
With the amount of things to see surrounding Valladolid and its close proximity to Cancun and Tulum, it makes sense that the new Tren Maya station will undoubtedly bring even more travelers to experience this beautiful little town.
Bacalar
The town of Bacalar is located in the state of Quintana Roo, just two hours south of Tulum and an hour from the border of Belize. It’s been a long-time favorite destination for locals but still remains relatively laid back and devoid of Mexico’s usual tourist crowds.
This is likely to change soon as the new Tren Maya station there will make accessing this destination easier than ever.
Bacalar is a Pueblo Magico best known for its “Lagoon of Seven Colours”, a lake that was originally formed by combining several cenotes and now offers many stunning shades of blue and turquoise.
The lagoon is pretty much the main attraction of Bacalar, and there are a lot of water-based activities to enjoy.
Renting a boat or joining a tour is the most popular way to experience the lagoon. The excursions are for 3 or more hours and take you to see the cenotes and the well-known Canal De Los Piratas. This small shallow waterway connects the Bacalar lagoon to another smaller lagoon and was once used as a trade route between Belize and Mexico.
Another popular activity is to spend the day at Los Rapidos, although not technically in Bacalar, it’s just a short drive away. The site is a narrow channel within the lagoon that is lined by stromatolites and mangroves and has a current you can float down.
To enter, you have to pay a 150 MXN fee ($7.50 USD) at the attached restaurant, and this allows you access for the entire day.
Some articles have been claiming that Bacalar is the new Tulum. With its sleepy laid back town and sparkling blue waters, it is bound to continue to grow in popularity.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind without the tourist crowds, then you need to head to Bacalar now before it explodes on the international scene.
