Tag: Fascinating

Zoom Through Spain! New High-Speed Train Will Soon Connect 2 Of Country’s Most Fascinating Cities

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Spain has never been more popular and locals are up in arms across the country wanting to have their beloved country back.

Overtourism has been a real concern, especially in such places as Barcelona, but that’s not stopping travelers from visiting this world-renowned city, or country for that matter.

Whether it be Spain’s stunning islands, sprawling urban jungles, or hidden gems to escape the crowds, there’s no doubt you’ll find your little slice of paradise when visiting.

Making Spain even more enticing, a new high-speed train was just announced to hit the rails this winter, just in time to make use of your Christmas vacation days.

Connecting 2 of Spain’s most fascinating cities, with 5 stops total, get ready for the train adventure of a lifetime as you zoom through one of Europe’s hottest destinations!

Explore Spain By Train: First Stop – Malaga

Spain may be mostly known for Barcelona, Madrid, and the multitude of gorgeous islands off the mainland’s scenic coast, but there’s one city boasting intriguing museums, beautiful beaches, and eye-popping castles and fortresses.

That’s right. Pablo Picasso’s hometown of Malaga is a perfect gateway to begin your Spanish excursions and will soon be the starting point for a thrilling new train ride.

The full journey will last 5 and a half hours should you not depart before ultimately reaching the vast wonders of Spain’s shining star, Barcelona.

Operated by budget rail line, Iryo, there will be 2 departures per day (one outward, one returning) so keep in mind you can also flip the script and take this train in reverse order if you’re in another city.

Plus, if you time it right, promos during the first week of the initial launch are super affordable with fares as low as $26.50 one-way, depending on which class selection you choose for weekdays.

Prices are a tick higher on weekends. The first train is set to depart December 15, 2024.

3 Exciting Stops Before Barcelona

You can’t really go wrong in Spain, can you?

Although, we don’t recommend Ibiza unless you’re into the party scene.

But hey, trains don’t cross the Balearic Sea, so you can enjoy a few other much more enjoyable stops before reaching Barcelona.

If you want to pack in as much of Spain as possible in one trip, Iryo’s new train is the way to go, literally.

Whether you start or end in Barcelona, you have three other cities to explore if you choose to hop off, and one of them is another of Spain’s icons!

Travelers aboard this route can also check out Zaragoza, Cordoba, and Madrid, adding 2 lesser-known cultural cities as well as another of Spain’s legendary getaways.

Albeit, Madrid and Barcelona are the main destinations where locals have been frustrated, to say the least, regarding tourists flooding their hometown.

If you want to feel a bit more welcomed, Malaga, Zaragoza, and Cordoba may be more suitable, but on the flip side, Barcelona and Madrid may just be too good to pass up.

Zaragoza and Cordoba are unique in their own right, offering a different vibe than Spain’s famous cities, with attractions like Zaragoza’s vibrant Plaza de Pilar and Cordoba’s picturesque whitewashed Jewish Quarter.

Tip: Should you choose to stop in Madrid, the layover is only 20 minutes. You will need to reroute for an extended stay.

Last Stop – Barcelona

Circling back, you can definitely make your starting point in Barcelona, as it’s probably the most connected city in Spain, including another of Iryo’s popular routes departing from Seville.

For this new route, however, trains will depart Barcelona at 11:50am and arrive in Malaga at 5:42pm. Conversely, the train will leave Malaga at 11:35am and arrive in Barcelona at 5:37pm.

Here in Barcelona you’ll find a bustling city brimming with immaculate architecture, world-class Spanish cuisine, the whimsical Instagram-worthy Park Guell, and access to gorgeous beaches in close reach.

Although, locals swear by the nearby town of Tarragona as a way to escape the city’s crowds for spacious beautiful beaches.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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September 11, 2024
Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Visit This Fascinating Southeast Asian Country

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There aren’t many better times to head to Southeast Asia than the winter, and one country you simply cannot miss off any itinerary in that part of the world is Cambodia.

This exotic, historic, and enchanting nation has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, a wonderfully warm and dry climate from November through to March, and the perfect blend of bustling cities like the capital Phnom Penh and quiet, exotic islands.

A little rougher around the edges than its near neighbor Thailand, many travelers think that Cambodia can help you capture the feeling of what traveling around Southeast Asia was like in the ‘good old days’.

While I’m not quite old enough to have a proper opinion on that claim, I can tell you that Cambodia is a place that can easily capture your heart.

Here’s why you should check it out this winter:

Island Hopping Paradise

While Thailand tends to steal the limelight in terms of beautiful beaches and tropical islands, there is an underrated and less-discovered world of similar destinations in Cambodia.

Cambodia’s relatively short coastline faces the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and while there are some cool attractions on the mainland such as Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, the offshore islands are where to get the real Cambodian beach experience.

Koh Ta Kiev is a romantic and secluded island for those who wish to get away from it all, while Koh Rong has more of the traditional party vibe that you may expect from Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, Koh Thmei offers a nature escape with a beautiful mangrove forest and nearby Ream National Park.

World Famous Attractions

It’s hard to think of Cambodia and not think of its world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

This historical icon is so synonymous with the country that it’s even on the national flag.

Located in the north of Cambodia, close to the city of Siem Reap, this is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites and covers an area of around 400 acres in total.

Photo by David Guest

It was built by the ancient Angkor civilization and comprises multiple temples and ruins, the most prominent of which are Angkor Wat itself, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple.

Many tourists rush to get there early each morning to avoid the crowds and catch the sun rising over the main temple complex each day.

Photo by David Guest

For a relatively modest fee, you can hire a guide and tuk-tuk for the day, who will show you everything you want to see, take you for lunch, and make sure you have the right ticket where the money benefits the restoration and preservation of the ruins.

Affordable And Adaptable

Cambodia is an affordable country to visit, in many cases cheaper than nearby Thailand and Vietnam.

According to Lonely Planet, a hostel bed can cost as little as $10 a night, while a self-catering apartment can average about $30 a night.

Food and drink are very cheap, especially if you sample the local street food – but even middle-of-the-road restaurants offer great value.

Transport is also very affordable with tuk-tuks being the cheapest, and buses and taxis also not setting you back too much.

One strange thing about Cambodia is that despite having its own currency, the Cambodian Riel, U.S. dollars are widely accepted by many establishments.

In fact, it’s not unusual to pay for something in dollars and get the change in riels, just remember to keep the latest conversion in mind so you don’t get short-changed.

At the time of writing, it was about 4,100 riels to one dollar

A Brand-New Airport

Visiting Cambodia could become easier in the future, especially as the country recently opened a brand new airport near Siem Reap, as reported by local media.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is expected to be able to handle around 7 million passengers per year, a 5 million increase from the old airport.

It also has the capacity for further expansion because it is situated further away from both Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat temple complex, with more land around it.

Photo by David Guest

While you probably won’t be able to catch a direct flight from North America to here, it will at least mean there are more connecting flight options available for future trips.

This airport will also make it easier to use internal flights to get around Cambodia – while the buses may be cheaper, the journeys can sometimes be a little hair-raising!

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November 28, 2023
This Fascinating City Is One Of The Top Cultural Destinations In Mexico This Year

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Mexico is the number one destination for Americans going abroad. Famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise-colored oceans, and well-developed resort zones, it attracts millions of tourists every year who are in search of a sunny break.

Not all of those who cross the Southern border are keen on lounging by the poolside all day, though: Mexico is indeed best-known as a tropical getaway, but it is also one of the world’s top cultural destinations, what with its host of UNESCO-listed ancient sites and rich Hispanic heritage.

If it’s culture you seek, then you should consider adding a visit to this lesser-known spot as well:

Why You Should Add Campeche To Your Mexico Bucket List

Campeche is one of Mexico’s 31 federal entities, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, where it is bounded by the Gulf of Mexico and borders the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

Unbeknownst to most vacationers, who flock instead to the neighboring provinces, where the likes of Merida, Cancun, and Tulum are located, Campeche is perhaps Mexico’s most promising cultural destination, largely due to its stately capital.

San Francisco de Campeche, more commonly known simply as Campeche, stands among the oldest European colonies in the Americas, having been founded by the Conquistadores as early as 1540, almost seven decades prior to the settlement of Jamestown in Virginia.

Before the Europeans came, Campeche was the site of a Mayan port called Can Pech, from which it derives its name, though very few traces of the original town remain.

The modern city is a trove of inestimable colonial-era treasures, so much so that it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Campeche Is A Colonial Gem Waiting To Be Discovered

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The designation recognizes Campeche’s well-preserved historic core, built by the Spanish in accord with Iberian customs of the time and later fortified amid the threat of pirates in the Gulf and the wider Caribbean region.

Campeche’s fortifications are one of the city’s main points of interest, enclosing beautiful Spanish-era landmarks like the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción, and the colorful baroque buildings that surround the Plaza de la Independencia.

History buffs might want to check out Campeche’s defensive bulwarks, specifically Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, no longer a military stronghold, and now the house of the Museum of City History instead, and the San Carlos section, attached to the Sea Gate, now converted into a smaller city museum.

Even if it’s culture you’re after exclusively, and a more authentic Mexican experience, you should definitely take a day to simply relax and enjoy the oceanic vibes.

Beautiful Beaches Within Driving Distance Of Campeche City

Campeche is a coastal destination, after all, and its abundance of swimming spots rival even that of the Riviera Maya.

The city’s modern seafront promenade, the Malecón de Campeche, draws in thousands of visitors due to its collection of historical monuments straddling the coast and the breathtaking sunset views it offers, as do the golden sand beaches around Campeche.

It is a tropical paradisiacal beach of white and golden Caribbean sand, very popular with tourists. Summer vacations.

Playa Caracol is perhaps the most frequented beach due to its proximity to the city, the crystalline hue of the waters, and the shallow depths.

A bit further out, Manigua is also not to be missed, with its coconut palms, bright blue ocean, and traditional seafood eateries.

A Safe Cultural Hotspot

Although Campeche (city) is not yet a Magical Town itself, as defined by Mexican tourism and culture authorities – though it is certainly a strong contender – the wider state has two pueblos magicos within driving distance of the capital you might want to add to your bucket list.

These are Isla Aguada, an island in the Gulf of Mexico famous for its historic lighthouse, underwater archaeology museum, and unspoiled beaches, and Palizada, a European-style small town with colorful houses and French-inspired architecture.

Other than being a unique cultural hotspot, Campeche is Mexico’s safest tourist destination alongside the neighboring state of Yucatan.

Both are included in the U.S. State Department’s Level 1 Travel Advisory listing, meaning ‘normal precautions’ apply when traveling.

How To Get To Campeche

The closest airport to Campeche (city) is Alberto Acuña Ongay International Airport, which serves both the capital region and the entire state, though it only hosts flights from Mexico City.

There is a bigger airport in Merida, in the neighboring state of Yucatan, a short 2h17 drive away.

The hub in Merida is more well-connected, hosting nonstop flights from a number of U.S. and Canadian cities such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, and Toronto (seasonally).

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June 26, 2023
This Fascinating Eastern European Country Has A New Digital Nomad Visa For Americans
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Remote workers based in the United States, rejoice! Yet another country has embraced the Digital Nomad trend and will start issuing residence visas for eligible foreign nationals, including Americans. If you’ve never heard of this Eastern European country before, allow us to introduce you to the wonders of the fascinating Latvia:

One of the most affordable places to visit in the continent, it is a Baltic Sea jewel bordering Lithuania and Estonia and a nation steeped in History and tradition. Although it is not the most obvious of tourist destinations, Latvia has been growing in popularity in recent years, especially among travelers looking to escape overtourism.

So what exactly makes Latvia such an appealing Digital Nomad destination?

A Country That’s Been A Digital Nomad Hotspot In The Making For Years

Latvia is a relatively new country. While the Latvian language dates back centuries, the region the Latvian people today call their home has existed as a province under several Empires throughout History. The most recent example is the Soviet Union, that collapsed in the early nineties and opened the path for Latvia to proclaim independence in 1991.

Fast forward 31 years later and you will find a well-developed nation that managed to shake off the ghosts of its Communist past, and despite being in close proximity to Russia, is now a member of the European Union and NATO. Latvia is no stranger to change, and since it found its freedom it’s been constantly looking for ways to revitalize its economy.

Riga, its picturesque, 632,000-people strong capital, has been an entrepreneurship hub for years, attracting people from all over Europe and beyond due to its highly affordable cost of living and low bureaucracy for those starting a business. In fact, the Latvia Government has been committed to a ‘Zero Bureaucracy‘ policy.

Their aim is to reduce the unnecessary paperwork in the public sector and make it easier for businesses to prosper. Because of that, Latvia is at the forefront of the digital revolution in Europe: according to data from the European Commission, it ranks at number 17 in the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), out of a total of 44 European countries and territories.

Unsurprisingly, launching a new Digital Nomad residence permit is the next natural step moving forward. As we have discussed extensively in this other article, both solo travel and long-term travel are here to stay, now that the pandemic has boosted the digitization of the economy and remote working is more popular than ever.

Latvian Digital Nomad Visa: The Easy Path To EU Citizenship For Americans?

As of now, only citizens and residents of OECD countries (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) will be able to apply for the Latvian Digital Nomad Visa. This includes natives of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey, and many more.

The visa allows digital workers, whose business or companies that employ them are registered in OECD states, to live in Latvia for up to two years, without requiring local sponsorship. Additionally, the country will be offering a path to permanent residence for those who apply to remain in Latvia once two years have elapsed.

After five years of continuous legal residence in Latvia (e.g. two years under the Digital Nomad scheme, and then a further three years as a permanent residence), foreigners are eligible to apply for Latvian citizenship, which would grant them EU citizenship as an extent, and the right to move freely across the whole European Union.

What Are The Visa Requirements?

In order to apply for this visa, digital nomads will need to satisfy the following requirements:
- They cannot hold Latvian or another EU/EEA citizenship, or Swiss citizenship*
- Their own company, or company they work for must be registered in an OECD country, such as the United States, Canada or Mexico
- They must be highly qualified professionals
- They need to prove at least six months of employment with a foreign employer, or register as an entrepreneur abroad
- Their monthly salary must be 2.5 times higher than the national average in Latvia**
*EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Swiss nationals already enjoy freedom of movement in Latvia as per the Free Movement directive, with no requirement other than nationality. If you are a U.S. passport holder, as well as a European citizen, you can already take up residency in Latvia freely by presenting proof of your other nationality.

**The minimum wage in Latvia is roughly USD 521,00 as of January, 2022, according to Eurostat.

Other requirements, such as filling out an application form, presenting proof of mandatory health insurance and payment of a visa fee may be detailed at a further date, once the new visa is officially launched. Essentially, non-Europeans must prove they are qualified professionals in their field and a stable source of income of at least USD 1,302.50 a month.

Latvia is the latest European country to issue Digital Nomad Visas, following:
- Croatia (Already launched)
- Italy (Planning to launch)
- Romania (Planning to launch)
- Hungary (Planning to launch)
Latvia Could Be The World Capital For Digital Nomads

Several other EU countries will also be opening the doors to Digital Nomads in the coming months, though none has been as generous as Latvia in regards to financial visa requirements. Authorities in the country believe that introducing this category will ‘help the tourism industry’ by bringing in a ‘large number’ of international travelers working remotely.

Marija Golubeva, the Latvian Interior Minister, has conceded that countries with a ‘more open’ immigration policy have higher GDP, lower unemployment rates, and ‘better-educated’ labor force. Besides being open to the digital revolution, Latvia has the potential to be one of the world’s digital nomad hotspots.

It is a front-runner in broadband coverage and is already prepared for the wider 5G roll-out set to take place next year. As stated by the European Commission on its latest DESI report, one of Latvia’s ‘main strengths’ is the extremely advanced coverage of fast broadband, comprising 93% of the territory – slightly higher than the EU-wide average of 87%.

Latvia has a 4G coverage of 99.9% and has been one of the first in Europe to allocate a radio spectrum for 5G once it’s been fully implemented. This means digital nomads can find a reliable internet connection to carry out their daily work anywhere, from the metropolitan Riga to the idyllic Latvian countryside.

Bottom Line

Eastern Europe is our favorite destination to travel right now, mostly due to its affordability compared to other Western states, like France or Spain, and the freedom travelers now enjoy country-hopping in the region. Bar a few exceptions, the East has no travel restrictions in place whatsoever – fortunately, Latvia is part of this collective.

When making Latvia (an EU country) their base, American nomads will enjoy higher standards of living compared to the United States, incredible culture, and nearly negligible crime levels. As aforementioned, they will also have the opportunity to apply for Latvian citizenship, so long as they integrate into Latvian society and show proficiency in the language.

More information can be found on the Government website.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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July 2, 2022